Gareth Southgate’s England succumbed to a painful late loss against Brazil at Wembley, thanks to a goal slotted home by 17 year-old Endrick. The result means the Three Lions have hit something of a speed bump in their preparations for the European Championships in the summer, whilst Brazil will be looking to reclaim the Copa America during the same period. England saw debuts given to Anthony Gordon, Ezra Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo. Daniel Wales reports from an eventual evening at Wembley.
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00:00 The bright sparks of spring illuminated the famous Wembley arch as a sell-out crowd descended
00:07 on Wembley Way to see the five-time world champions pitted against the three Lions.
00:12 There was a sense of belief in the air for England, who are currently ranked third in
00:16 the world, two places higher than their opponents.
00:20 There are not many sides, however, who England have a worse record against than their opponents
00:26 on this March evening, something Gareth Southgate would be hoping to change before the all-important
00:33 summer in Germany.
00:37 The first half was an intense affair, as international friendlies go, with both sides testing each
00:42 other.
00:43 Brazil had the first real opportunity when Lucas Paquetar played in Vinicius Junior.
00:48 His shot slid under Jordan Pickford but was not powerful enough to reach the goal line
00:52 before Kyle Walker was able to mop up.
00:55 Soon after, good work on the left from Jude Bellingham allowed Connor Gallagher to pick
01:00 out Olly Watkins with the Villa man ultimately blazing his shot over the bar.
01:06 Both sides continued to work openings, with Paquetar striking the post ten minutes before
01:12 the break.
01:18 England started the second half brightly.
01:20 A free kick delivered from the right found Anthony Gordon at the back post.
01:25 He forced a save out of Bento in the Brazil net, however, it was not a sign of things
01:30 to come.
01:31 The second period lacked the intensity of the first, with neither side coming as close
01:36 as they did in the first period to scoring.
01:40 It took until the 80th minute for a goal and it came for the visitors.
01:44 Vinicius Junior went through on goal and despite his effort, being saved by Pickford, 17-year-old
01:50 Endrik was there to slot home the rebound.
01:54 And that is how it finished at Wembley Stadium, England losing for the first time since France
01:59 at the World Cup.
02:01 Following the final whistle, England debutant Anthony Gordon revealed how a recent injury
02:06 scare whilst playing for Newcastle United had almost prevented him from earning his
02:11 first Three Lions cap.
02:13 "Yeah, it was chaotic, obviously at the time.
02:17 When I came off I didn't know what was going to happen and everything was up in the air
02:21 but I was really fortunate to miss out on any injury and I got to live the best day
02:27 of my life."
02:28 Gordon then added what manager Gareth Southgate had said to him following the match and joked
02:33 about his summer prospects.
02:34 "Yeah, he was saying fantastic, he was feeling pleased for me so I think he was happy with
02:39 me performing which is always a good thing."
02:40 "Did he say you were on the play line after?"
02:41 "No, yeah, but hopefully he says in a couple of months."
02:46 For Vinicius Jr and Brazil, their attention will now turn to the Copa America in the summer.
02:52 They were defeated in the final by rivals Argentina in the previous tournament, something
02:57 they will want to avenge this time.
02:58 (faintly speaking)