Brazil’s new head coach, Dorival Junior, launched his campaign to rejuvenate the five-time world champions with a triumphant 1-0 victory over England at Wembley, as teenage sensation Endrick notched his inaugural international goal in Saturday’s friendly clash.
Tasked with steering Brazil back to their former glory after a tumultuous period, Dorival Junior’s tenure commenced on a positive note, securing a win against an England squad anticipated to contend strongly in Euro 2024.
In a cathartic evening for Brazil following their disappointing 2023 campaign, Endrick, hailed as a prodigious talent, secured the decisive goal late in the game.
The Palmeiras forward, destined to join Real Madrid in July, epitomized Brazil’s hopes for a resurgence, delivering a match-winning performance in his third appearance for the national team.
Aged just 17 years and 246 days, Endrick etched his name in history as the youngest senior international goal-scorer at Wembley, signaling a promising future for the Selecao.
Endrick’s emergence injects vitality into a Brazilian squad grappling with a period of stagnation, exacerbated by managerial upheavals and disappointing results.
Dorival Junior faces the formidable challenge of guiding Brazil to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following a disheartening sequence of defeats and a decline in confidence since their 2014 World Cup debacle against Germany.
Despite the recent setbacks, Brazil find cause for optimism in the dynamic displays of talents like Vinicius Junior and the emergence of Endrick. With momentum on their side after securing their first victory over England since 2009, Brazil looks ahead to another friendly encounter against Spain on Tuesday.
While Brazil celebrated Endrick’s heroics, England endured a lackluster performance, culminating in their first home defeat in 21 games.
Gareth Southgate’s side failed to muster significant threats, with debutant Anthony Gordon providing a rare spark amidst England’s disjointed display.
As Belgium awaits England in their final friendly before Southgate finalizes his Euro squad, concerns loom over England’s attacking prowess, with Ollie Watkins failing to impress as the central striker in Harry Kane’s absence.
Despite glimpses of promise, England’s evening was marred by defensive lapses, epitomized by Harry Maguire’s error leading to Endrick’s decisive goal, extinguishing hopes of maintaining their unbeaten streak at Wembley.
