Soccer

England beaten at Wembley as Endrick announces himself with Brazil winner

17-year-old scores first senior international goal to end England’s 10-match unbeaten run

Brazil striker Endrick celebrates with Vinicius Jr after scoring the winning goal in the friendly with England at Wembley. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images
Brazil striker Endrick celebrates with Vinicius Jr after scoring the winning goal in the friendly with England at Wembley. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images
Sat Mar 23 2024 - 21:13
International Friendly: England 0 Brazil 1

England suffered their first defeat since the World Cup as teenage star Endrick came off the bench to seal Brazil a late victory against Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 hopefuls.

After a build-up dominated by the brouhaha over an altered St George’s flag on the back of the new shirt and talk about the manager’s future, Saturday’s glamour friendly between these injury-hit sides failed to live up to the hype.

Southgate’s side survived a few scares on a night that was heading towards a goalless conclusion until 17-year-old Endrick’s first senior international goal secured a 1-0 win at a sold-out Wembley.

This was England’s first defeat since their World Cup quarter-final exit to France 15 months ago, with the meek end to their 10-match unbeaten run leading to early exits and some grumbles at the final whistle.

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Brazil had been on a run of three straight losses but, under new boss Dorival Junior, had the best chances of a stop-start opening period that saw Lucas Paqueta hit the post and somehow escape a second yellow card.

Vinicius Jr and Raphinha also had chances for the Selecao, with the former’s late shot leading to teenager Endrick’s match-winner as England made a poor start to a year they hope will go down in history.