England-Brazil: Endrick revealed himself, the Three Lions fell... the hits and the flops

TOPS

Before this match, little was known about Endrick. He is 17 years old, he is a prodigy in Brazil at Palmeiras and a future player for Real Madrid, that is what Europe knows about him. But with this match against England won 1-0 by the Brazilians, Endrick revealed himself to the whole world. Coming into play in the 71st minute, he didn't touch a lot of balls, but one was enough. After a counter-attack, Vinicius came up against Pickford and the young star followed the action attentively. He took his teammate's blocked attempt and ended up in the empty goal. A first international goal at just 17 years old. A star was born this Saturday evening at Wembley, and it’s only the beginning of a great adventure. After this gathering and once he comes of age, he will join Real Madrid.

Many are absent from the Brazilian list, Alisson, Ederson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Casemiro, Martinelli, Jesus, all are injured. But even with less flashy names and four newcomers (Bento, Bruno, Wendell and Gomes made their very first selection), the Seleçao managed to play it “joga bonito”. Led by a fiery Paqueta, they dynamited the Three Lions defense on several occasions but narrowly missed in the last move. Nevertheless, the Brazilians produced some good ball releases against the pressing of Southgate's men. Even when the material is less good, Brazil remains Brazil.

FLOPS

Treated by his coach, Harry Kane was not on the scoresheet and was content to watch his teammates in difficulty. Even without their captain, the Three Lions remained favorites against a Brazil team decimated by injuries. But his teammates missed him, and this status was not assumed. With an attacking quartet of Foden, Bellingham, Gordon and Watkins, they failed to score a single goal and had very few shots on target. Sometimes alone at the helm, Jude Bellingham did not have the same complicity with Ollie Watkins who remained hidden behind the backs of the Brazilian defenders, as that which he can have with the top scorer of the selection. Another player was rested and made his absence felt, it is Bukayo Saka. With such a packed armada, England must do better if they want to claim final victory this summer in Germany.

In a season with an increasingly busy schedule, this very high-intensity meeting between the two footballing countries was not easy. For most of the players on the pitch, there are still many deadlines before the end of the 2023/2024 financial year, and we must watch out for injuries. From the first half, the pace picked up and the two teams played the game, to the point that nothing said it was a friendly match. But in the 20th minute of play, a first sign of fatigue appeared when Walker was hit and gave way to Konsa. He did not want to take any risks for the Euro, but also before the quarter-final of the Champions League Manchester City - Real Madrid. Bellingham also showed signs of exhaustion when he had cramps, Vinicius had heavy legs at times. Those who didn't have the chance to rest took the minutes, and it was felt in the second half with a pace that only decreased.