Watch: Gabriel Martinelli, Vinicius Jr star as Arsenal & Real Madrid youngsters shine in Brazil's win vs England at Wembley

Brazil inflict first defeat on England since World Cup

Gareth Southgate’s side were hoping to push on as they continue their preparations for Euro 2024 this summer - but with captain Harry Kane injured and Jude Bellingham frustrated, the Three Lions lacked a creative spark.

Brazil went closest in the first half, hitting the post through Lucas Paqueta, and took the lead in the 80th minute as substitute Endrick tapped in after Vinicius Jr’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.

Paqueta was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card after one of several fouls on Bellingham - while another concern for Southgate would have been Kyle Walker joining his lengthy injury list ahead of Tuesday’s match against Belgium.

Endrick gives England and Gareth Southgate another issue to solve before Euro 2024

After the controversy about the new England shirt, the concerns about the players wearing it. After the needless culture wars, the more pertinent footballing decisions that beckon for Gareth Southgate. A year that could end 58 of hurt for England began with a first defeat since the 2022 World Cup quarter-final and a performance to ward off suggestions they should be favourites for Euro 2024.

A glamour game did not live up to its billing, but the excitement was provided by a weakened Selecao team. On a night when many a young England player hoped to take a make an indelible mark, the rookie to etch his name into history was instead Endrick, the 17-year-old who became the youngest scorer in a senior international at Wembley. For their rather more experienced manager, Dorival Junior, a 26th and most prestigious job brought an ideal start.

But England’s display was less jogo bonito than jogo mediocre. The players who needed to play well didn’t; or not to the extent of resolving Southgate’s selection dilemmas for the summer. Paper aeroplanes were being flung in the crowd, but too few players booked their place on the flight to Germany.

Jude Bellingham in full flow was a sight Wembley was starting to get used to. Leaning forwards, ball almost dangling from his stretched toes, dynamic yet in perfect balance. Then Brazil arrived. The beautiful game? Joga Bonito? Not tonight. Instead, meet the tactical foul: the sight of Bellingham laid out on his back proved a rather more frustrating image during this 1-0 defeat.

Jude Bellingham’s kicking against Brazil sends England a Euro 2024 warning

The England manager is first to speak to the media after the game.

He says that England “controlled the game in parts” and had “as many attempts on goal” as their opponents, but “in the end it’s that ruthless moment that decides the game”.

He adds that there were some “really important individual performances for us” and praises both Ben Chilwell and Anthony Gordon.

When asked if that is the kind of game that England need to prepare for tournaments, he calls it a “classic game against a South American team”.

“In competition, there are probably more cards given, and that affects the flow of the game.

“ I’m really happy with a lot of that performance.

“When you lose, it turns negative, but you’ve got to have context.”

Team news

England are without a number of regular squad members, including Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier, while Harry Kane, Cole Palmer and Jordan Henderson were all ruled out by Gareth Southgate.

Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa were the uncapped individuals included in Gareth Southgate’s initial selection, while Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has also been brought up to the senior squad.

Brazil are facing a significant injury list made longer with the withdrawal of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes this week. Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Casemiro and Marquinhos are all absent, while a debutant is certain to begin in goal with neither Alisson nor Ederson available.