Brazil begin next gen with victory
RISING STAR ENDRICK SCORES THE ONLY GOAL
Brazil’s new boss Dorival Junior started his bid to revive the five-time world champions with a 1-0 win against England as teenage sensation Endrick bagged his first international goal in Saturday’s friendly at Wembley.
Coming off their worst period for over 60 years, Brazil hope Dorival Junior can trigger a revival in time to challenge for the 2026 World Cup.
This was a first significant step in the right direction for the Selecao, who marked their manager’s debut with victory against an England side expected to make a strong challenge to win Euro 2024.
On a cathartic evening for Brazil after their wretched 2023, it was fitting the highly-rated Endrick bagged Brazil’s late winner.
The Palmeiras forward, due to join Real Madrid in July, has been tipped to succeed Neymar as Brazil’s latest superstar and his match-winning cameo appearance off the bench was a suitable coming of age moment in his third appearance.
Endrick stole the spotlight when the teenager tapped in, defying England’s appeals for offside after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.
Aged 17 years and 246 days, Endrick is the youngest senior international goal-scorer at Wembley.
He is also the youngest player to score for Brazil since Ronaldo in 1994.
Snubbed by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and frustrated by the failings of two caretaker managers, Dorival Junior has been tasked with ensuring Brazil qualify for the World Cup.
England boss Gareth Southgate was impressed with the new Brazil, saying: “The difference was one moment of ruthlessness.
“In the attacking third they have players of the very highest quality. The midfield three are all technical players as well.
“They have got some fabulous forwards and you have to defend well. Endrick finished off their goal. It’s a good moment for him.”
Adding to Southgate’s problems, England’s stand-in captain Kyle Walker was forced off with a hamstring injury.
“He is feeling something. We just have to assess it over the next couple of days,” Southgate said.
Belgium’s friendly visit to Wembley tomorrow represents the last chance for England’s fringe players to impress before Southgate names his Euro squad.
“I’m not down on the performance at all. Clearly I don’t like losing but I thought there were lots of good performances from players who have hardly played,” said Southgate, who revealed Harry Kane will not be fit for the Belgium game.