Teenage Samba star Endrick was the hero as Brazil dealt England’s pre-Euro 2024 preparations a blow with a 1-0 win at Wembley.
The visitors named five debutants in the starting XI for coach Dorival Junior’s first match in charge and the Selecao had the better of the chances in an end-to-end first half.
Vinicius Jr had a shot cleared off the line by Kyle Walker prior to the England captain for the night departing prematurely with a hamstring concern, while West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta clipped the woodwork.
England’s best opening fell to Ollie Watkins, who was leading the line in the absence of the injured Harry Kane, but he drilled over under pressure.
The hosts had the better of it following the interval but could not carve out a clear-cut opening and they were duly punished when the 17-year-old substitute Endrick – who will join Real Madrid in the summer – knocked in a rebound 10 minutes from time.
England will rue a lack of cutting edge and will quickly turn their attention to Tuesday’s friendly at home to Belgium.