England suffer 2-1 defeat to Brazil in lacklustre homecoming friendly
The European champions' first game since summer glory ends in disappointing defeat in Manchester
The Lionesses’ homecoming celebrations were ruined by a strong and physical Brazilian side who beat the European champions 2 -1 in a friendly at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium.
With 37, 460 in attendance, it was a true Saturday night fixture that promised fireworks. The Etihad was buzzing before kick-off, music pumping, with big energy from a home crowd that were keen for more celebrations after England’s Euros victory over the summer. But it didn’t last long.
England were 2-0 down within 20 minutes as Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha punished a sluggish start from the Lionesses and put Brazil into an early lead. Sarina Wiegman’s side, who were missing several regular starters, were left stunned.
The drama continued as England fought to get back into the game and Brazil were reduced to 10 players. Ella Toone was brought down by Brazilian defender Angelina just outside the area, much to the anger of England fans, confirming that despite the game being a friendly, it was anything but that on the pitch. Brazil’s captain was shown a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity as Toone was pushed as she was charging towards goal.
Georgia Stanway gave England hope of mounting a trademark comeback when her penalty cut the deficit to 2-1 at the start of the second half.
However, not even super-sub Michelle Agyemang, who was sent on in the 83rd minute, or the player advantage, was enough to rescue a result for England.
The final whistle was met by huge celebrations from the Brazilian players and their loud section of fans in Manchester.
What defined England’s game?
Mistakes seemed to riddle England’s first half, with Wiegman visibly frustrated on the sideline as Brazil looked like the more comfortable, physical side.
The Lionesses were under pressure from the start, and Brazil made it difficult for them to keep hold of the ball especially in midfield.
In the second half, England’s struggles continued. Brazil’s defence was looking shaky but England still couldn’t quite get the final ball right. There were plenty of hopeful Beth Mead crosses that weren’t finding the intended targets.
Alessia Russo was England’s brightest spark. She worked hard, held up the ball, regularly playing in teammates who were running beyond her or playing it back into midfield. She was unlucky not to grab herself a goal, with a mistimed header in the second half her best opportunity of the game.
What defined Brazil’s game?
Brazil’s passion was undeniable throughout this match. Their opening goal was met with huge celebrations from the bench, coaches and fans in the stadium.
Goalscorer Dudinha caused a lot of issues for England’s defence, particularly Jess Carter. Her physicality and speed made her hard to deal with, which is exactly how her goal came about. She got the better of England’s defence and was left with space to send the ball into the back of the net.
Brazil were certainty not afraid to commit a foul, with their game dominated by being unapologetically physical with England. At full time they had committed 17 fouls in total.
Brazil’s fans made more noise than the England crowd at points, and during the first half when England were attacking in front of their end, they were celebrating their teams defensive contributions like goals. Their flags and voices acted like the squad’s 11th player after captain Angelina was sent off in the first half.
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Khiara Keating made her international debut in her home city Manchester and became the first black woman to play in goal for England.
Despite the two goals that got past her, she remained strong throughout the game, clearly keen to make an impression and show Wiegman what she’s capable of.
With Hannah Hampton out recovering from a small injury, Keating showed why she should be considered England’s number two.
The Manchester City goalkeeper has tons of potential and at just 21-years-old has time to evolve into a consistent force in goal. Wiegman praised Keating after the game, calling her a “very talented player”.
“It was a hard start and I think she dealt with that well”, said Wiegman in her post-match press conference. “In the second half she didn’t get much action but she dealt with that well. She stayed calm and played out. I think we can be happy with her debut.”
What next?
This is the fourth game where England have conceded the first goal, and it was put to Wiegman why her side are struggling to control games. “If I knew why, we would have solved it straight away,” she said.
England will be hoping to put in a more dominant display when they host Australia at Pride Park on Tuesday night.
The last time England faced the Matildas, they beat them 3 – 1 in the 2023 World Cup semi-final.
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