A new celebrity is born in Brazil. With a goal in the 80th minute, Endrick, a teenager from Palmeiras, gave England a 1-0 friendly loss. The young player’s goal highlighted Brazil’s depth and may portend future developments for the five-time world champion, who arrived in London at a low point following their 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semifinals. When Endrick turns eighteen this summer, he’ll move from Palmeiras to Real Madrid.
The 17-year-old had arrived late for Rodrygo, but he quickly made an impression with his ambition to write a blockbuster scenario. He accepted the opportunity and made his public debut. It was always going to be a trial by fire for Endrick and Brazil’s new manager, Dorival Junior, playing under the lights at Wembley against a side looking to win its first European title this summer and undefeated for 10 games.
Conversely, Brazil was battling to find identity and stability after Fernando Diniz and temporary coaches were unable to salvage the team during the World Cup in Qatar. The Brazilians had little time for preparation and arrived in north London as underdogs, ranked lower on FIFA than England, and lacking confidence despite the pressure that comes with winning every single game.
The initial possessions of the game were with the home team, and in the twelfth minute of play, Vinicius Junior had the first big chance of the game, but he was unable to take advantage of it. After a well-placed cross from Lucas Paqueta, the Real Madrid star raced through on goal, but Kyle Walker’s header off the line saved goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s blushes as he was left stranded in no man’s land.
The speed of the Brazilian front three proved too much for the English defense, as Paqueta provided support to his strikers, resulting in panic every time the Brazilians broke through the English penalty box. Working for West Ham United, Paqueta was a main player in the first half with a flawless passing percentage and frequent fouling that had him on the verge of a red card. England manager Gareth Southgate was stunned by the tactic, but the Brazilians used a similar tactic to nullify Jude Bellingham.
In a sporadic friendly, England took the lead again thanks to opportunities for Tony Watkins and Anthony Gordon against Brazil’s improvised defense, which featured three of the five debutants on the squad. The Brazilian defense was able to remain composed when England’s speed decreased, pressing and dropping deep as necessary. Harry Maguire’s short backpass was not taken advantage of by Raphinha, and Paqueta’s attempt in the 35th minute cannoned off the woodwork. Brazil wastefully let the goal get in the way.
