Wayne Rooney's first game as England captain ended in defeat as a severely-depleted side were beaten 1-0 by five-time world champions Brazil in Qatar.

Fabio Capello's side fell victim to a goal early in the second period from Nilmar to leave England still without a win in eight matches on neutral territory against the Brazilians.

Luis Fabiano also missed a penalty for Brazil, who unsurprisingly dominated possession.

They were aided by an England midfield which gave the ball away far too easily and consequently the front two of Rooney and Darren Bent were starved of any worthwhile service.

But this was no vintage performance by Brazil and their trickery was largely confined to in front of the back four and goalkeeper Ben Foster, apart from an impressive spell after the break.

Capello will now have four months to reflect on how many of his fringe players pushed their claims to be part of his World Cup plans before the next international in early March.

Only Aston Villa winger James Milner, who was making his full debut, could feel he furthered his cause on the left wing to any significant effect.

Rooney told ITV1: "It was a difficult game for us. Brazil were the better team and deserved to win. Brazil move the ball really well and make you chase it, which is really hard to do for 90 minutes.

"We should have put more pressure on the first ball (for the goal). I'm not sure how he (Nilmar) has got in between the defence. We are looking to improve. Thankfully it is only a friendly but it is always difficult to take a defeat."

Capello added: "I think we played against a Brazil team who have the best XI in the world. My first XI will be better than this one. But I found a lot of things positive.

"I understand the value of some of the players I checked on in this game when you play against these teams."