I’M REALLY PROUD OF OUR SPIRIT
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S superkids kept Brazil at bay on a night of optimism for the England boss.
Eric Dier captained the English rookies as Southgate made five changes to the team that held world champions Germany to a goalless draw last Friday.
And the England boss said: “In terms of heart, resilience and spirit it was up there with anything I have been involved in.
“Young players digging in, we just couldn’t move the ball as well as the other night. We just showed resilience, guts and some really outstanding defending against a top side.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the players have done. We had the best defensive record in qualifying, we have just played the best two teams in the world and managed to keep two clean sheets, which gives us something to build on.
“We know we need to be better with the ball. It’s a base to work from.”
Brazil’s best chance came in the 76th minute when Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho hit the post.
But England’s defence – marshalled by Manchester City’s John Stones – managed to remain organised.
Ashley Young pulled off an outstanding last-ditch block on Willian, seconds after the Man United star came on as an 80th-minute substitute.
Joe Hart also saved well from former Spurs midfielder Paulinho with five minutes left.
Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho all started in a full-strength line-up for the five-time world champions.
But City striker Jesus, feted as “the new Ronaldo” by the Brazil captain Dani Alves on Monday, struggled and was taken off in the second half.
And PSG star Alves was also lucky not to be shown a straight red card for kicking out at Jake Livermore in the 48th minute.