The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
ENGLAND BRAZIL
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England held another top nation to a Wembley stalemate as they shared a forgettable goalless friendly with Brazil.
Four days on from a strong display in a 0-0 draw against World champions Germany, a Brazil side boasting the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus failed to break down a resolute England defence.
Gareth Southgate again opted for an experimental side as he continues his plans for the World Cup and made five changes but the Three Lions were largely on the back foot against Brazil, who failed to truly test the recalled Joe Hart despite their domination.
Ruben Loftus- Cheek was named man of the match on his debut against Germany but was forced off through injury here as Marcus Rashford had England’s best chance of a largely forgettable first half.
Southgate handed Liverpool defender Joe Gomez his full England debut as one of five changes for the Wembley friendly against Brazil.
The 20-year-old came off the bench in Friday’s goalless draw with Germany but replaced the injured Phil Jones to partner John Stones and Harry Maguire in England’s backline. Friday’s man of the match Loftus-Cheek retained his place while Rashford was also named in Southgate’s starting line-up as Hart, Kyle Walker and Ryan Bertrand came in.
England were facing a strong Brazil, who boasted the world’s most expensive footballer in Neymar, as well as Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City.
Hart, recalled despite Jordan Pickford’s impressive debut in goal against Germany, showed nerves in the early exchanges. The West Ham goalkeeper hoofed a clearance into the stands after trying to play out from the back.
Neymar had every early touch cheered by a large Wembley crowd and he teed up skipper Dani Alves for an early chance – only for his PSG clubmate to fire wide.
Rashford had his first chance to run at the Brazilian defence as he chased a long ball from Harry Maguire but could not latch on to the punt forward.
Neymar then blazed high and wide after clever work from Marcelo freed him down the left, before Jesus forced Hart into his first save.
England committed a series of fouls as the visitors enjoyed long periods of possession, although Rashford’s drive called Alisson into action for the first time.
Brazil had enjoyed almost 75% of possession as the first half passed the midway point but they had not tested Hart with anything dangerous.
While England were restricting Brazil to longrange efforts, they were creating their own problems by attempting to play out from the back against a side willing to press at any opportunity.
Rashford was played in by strike partner Jamie Vardy but could not work the opening for a shot.
The evening then came to an abrupt end for LoftusCheek as injury forced him to limp off with 34 minutes gone, Jesse Lingard replacing him.
Barcelona midfielder Paulinho headed well wide as the half drifted into stoppage time with England heading into the dressing room after a first period spent holding their visitors at arm’s length.
Unsurprisingly, it was Neymar who instigated the first chance of the second half, rolling a perfect pass into the run of Coutinho as Hart saved well from the Liverpool man.
Coutinho then fluffed his lines after superb trickery from Jesus teased two England defenders and there was more Premier League interest as Brazil coach Tite introduced Fernandinho and Willian.
Neither the Man City nor the Chelsea midfielder could make the difference, however, as the two Russia-bound sides played out England’s second 0-0 draw in a week.