5 things England must learn from disappointing Brazil defeat
- England fell to defeat against Brazil after Endrick's strike in the second half
- Left-back proved a problem position while there were gaps in midfield
- Gareth Southgate extends unconvincing record against elite-level opposition
England toiled in the face of elite-level opposition once again on Saturday night as they fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley.
Endrick's 80th-minute effort was enough to separate the two teams as the Three Lions were handed a first Wembley defeat since late 2020. With Euro 2024 quickly approaching, Gareth Southgate was handed more selection problems than answers in this friendly outing.
Here's what the manager needs to figure out ahead of their next game against Belgium on Tuesday.
1. Greater depth needed at left-back
While England boast options like Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Reece James at right-back - fitness dependent, of course - the list gets a little ropier at left-back after established first choice Luke Shaw.
The Manchester United defender, who was spotted linking up with the England squad, is sidelined with a muscle injury but has a chance of recovering in time for Euro 2024. In the meantime, Ben Chilwell was handed a chance to impress but failed to do so, hacking a number of shots and crosses off target.
The Chelsea left-back is a proven goal threat but a fresh option will soon be sought by Southgate is performances like Saturday night continue.
2. Jude Bellingham will attract more brutal attention
It's a weird badge of honour for a player to wear when they're so clearly hacked down with the intention of limiting their influence.
Brazil tried to batter Jude Bellingham out of the game but that didn't deter the Real Madrid star, who was at the heart of every positive attack England put together.
The Selecao got away with a few more abrasive challenges than they would have in a competitive fixture, but that treatment is likely to follow Bellingham as he continues to grow as an all-round midfielder.
3. Find a dominating number six
The third midfield spot alongside Bellingham and Declan Rice went to Conor Gallagher, who produced a typically industrious performance if lacking in polished end product and defensive nous.
Kalvin Phillips has so often been England's destroyer but his dramatic fall has left a place free. Bellingham and Rice have both shown their quality in the final third this season, with a holding presence behind them likely to be utilised by Southgate.
It may well end up being filled by Jordan Henderson, but Kobbie Mainoo is another option after making his international debut from the bench.
4. Take leash off attackers in Kane and Saka absence
There's no doubt England struggled without their two most influential attackers in Harry Kane and Phil Foden.
The two forwards missed out with injuries, opening the door to Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins to make impressions in the front three. Phil Foden also started, but aside from the odd flash of quality here and there, the new-look attack looked blunt.
The Three Lions' trademark cautious approach works wonders when one or two moments of quality earn them victories, but without Kane and Saka, no one could fill in.
That could be negated by a mentality shift to allow for more freedom going forward, which would create more chances to score.
5. Gareth Southgate still unconvincing against elite nations
Southgate may have won all four of his England matches against Malta, but there are more than a few question marks over his side's record against elite-level opposition.
The Three Lions have come up short against the likes of Croatia, Italy and France when it's really mattered in international tournaments, but this Brazil side is not one at the peak of its powers.
The Selecao had lost their last three games and were there for the taking. If England miss such opportunities in the summer, there'll be no silverware coming home from Germany.
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