A GOAL from Romario, the first England have conceded away from home for more than 3 1/2 years, gave Brazil victory and put Glenn Hoddle's useful but modest success in winning the Tournoi de France into a global perspective in the Parc des Princes last night.

Last night was England's passing-out parade, one last drill for the summer school of '97. Brazil, who never needed to over-extend themselves, were merely passing through on their way to the South American Cup starting in Bolivia on Friday.

Just in case Brazil wanted to leave France with a flourish, Hoddle recalled Martin Keown to his defence, the Arsenal man's effectiveness as a close marker offering England more security against Ronaldo, at least in theory, than would Gary Neville.

For Keown it was a dream come true, even if it might turn out to be one of the cold-sweat variety. But reality was to return after 21 minutes when he farther injured his already damaged right shoulder, leaving his collarbone in need of an X-ray. So Gary Neville ended up playing after all.

As expected, Mario Zagallo fielded the Brazilian side that had finished the 3-3 draw with Italy two days earlier, Flavio Conceicao staying in midfield for the suspended Mauro Silva. England had plenty of early opportunities to study the opposition. For five minutes they saw a lot of Brazil but less of the ball.

Hoddle's defence conceded six corners in five minutes as Brazil's movements flowed through it and around it like liquid gold. Then a mistake by Gareth Southgate offered Ronaldo a clear glimpse of goal, but Sol Campbell redeemed the situation with a well-timed tackle which he repeated on Leonardo a little later.

Paul Scholes, hack in the England side after his, impressive performance in the victory over Italy, announced his, presence with a quick pass which released Alan Shearer on the right. Nothing came of the move but it reminded Paris that England still had an attack.

In fact, England were soon offering Brazil something more than gentle reminders. After 11 minutes Paul Gascoigne, making as sprightly a start as he had yet achieved under Hoddle, found Paul Ince with a smart back-heel and Taffarel had to move quickly to push Ince's 25-yard shot round the near post.

It was a pity that Denilson, the revelation against Italy, was forced off by injury soon after Keown's departure.

Not that the substitute, Djalminha, looked out of place. Just before the half-hour he found Romario with a return pass that split the English defence, and only David Seaman's anticipation in coming out to block the shot prevented a goal.

After a busy start, Roberto Carlos had had a quiet first half on the Brazilian left. Just in case England had forgotten he was around, a free-kick struck with typical venom from a narrow angle on the left had Seaman punching the ball high over the bar.

With Gary Neville showing tenacity in refusing to allow Leonardo to dribble round him, England still looked solid at the back. But Brazil scored on the hour.

The initial fault lay with Gascoigne for not picking up Conceicao's advance over the halfway, line. A pass to Leonardo, a ball inside Gary Neville, and Romanio did the rest, out pacing the defence on the felt before beating Seaman with a shot in off the far post.