LONDON – Brazil’s new boss Dorival Junior started his bid to revive the five-time world champions with a 1-0 win over England, as teenage sensation Endrick bagged his first international goal in their friendly at Wembley.

Coming off their worst period for over 60 years, Brazil hope the coach can trigger a revival in time to challenge for the 2026 World Cup.

This was a first significant step in the right direction for the Selecao, who marked Dorival’s debut on March 23 with victory against an England side expected to be contenders to win Euro 2024.

On a cathartic evening for Brazil after their wretched 2023, it was fitting the highly rated Endrick bagged Brazil’s late winner and sealed their first triumph over England since 2009.

The Palmeiras forward, due to join Real Madrid in July, has been tipped to succeed Neymar as Brazil’s latest superstar and his match-winning cameo appearance off the bench was a suitable coming-of-age moment in his third appearance.

Endrick stole the spotlight in the 80th minute when the teenager tapped in, defying England’s appeals for offside after Vinicius Junior’s shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.

Aged 17 years and 246 days, Endrick is the youngest senior international goalscorer at Wembley. He is also the youngest player to score for Brazil since Ronaldo in 1994.

“Time will tell how far he can go. We have to be calm and patient with him. If he keeps up the attitude he has shown up to now, he will be a very important name in Brazilian and world football,” said Dorival, 61.

England boss Gareth Southgate was impressed with the new Brazil, saying: “The difference was one moment of ruthlessness. In the attacking third, they have players of the very highest quality. The midfield three are all technical players as well.

“They have got some fabulous forwards and you have to defend well. Endrick has finished off their goal. It’s a good moment for him.”

Added former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva on BBC Channel 4: “It is a great start for him (Dorival), but also for Brazil this was the kind of game where you have to show up and take the opportunity... We were expecting to see Endrick and he came on and did great.”

The Three Lions’ spluttering performance featured few highlights, although Southgate will have been encouraged by lively debuts from Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.

England were wearing their controversial new home shirt for the first time after criticism of manufacturer Nike’s decision to change the colour of the St George’s Cross on the kit.

The debate about the shirt will soon be forgotten, but Southgate will not have fond memories of its debut, as England lost at home for the first time in 21 games. They last lost at Wembley against Denmark in the Uefa Nations League in October 2020.

“I’m not down on the performance at all. Clearly I don’t like losing, but I thought there were lots of very good performances from players who have hardly played for England,” said Southgate, who revealed Harry Kane will still not be fit for their next friendly against Belgium on March 26 at Wembley.

“More regular players were very good. We had as many attempts on goal as they had and the difference was one moment... We had those moments at the other end. If it finished a draw, it would have been fair.”

Former England defender Matthew Upson was critical of the Three Lions’ display.

“There are more questions than answers in terms of that performance. It didn’t feel like there was enough edge to the game in key moments from England,” Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“Brazil countered really well and the discipline they had was exceptional. Brazil had a bit more punch to their play and were more clinical in front of goal.

“The defensive responsibility they showed all over the pitch with a team that are mostly uncapped, they will come off and see this as a success.”

Southgate opted for Ollie Watkins instead of Ivan Toney as England’s central striker, with Kane not risked due to an ankle injury. However, Watkins did little to suggest he could shoulder the burden if Kane were to be injured at the Euro.

Adding to Southgate’s problems, England’s stand-in captain Kyle Walker was forced off with a hamstring injury.

“He is feeling something. We just have to assess it over the next couple of days,” Southgate said.

Belgium’s visit represents the last chance for fringe players to impress before Southgate names his Euro squad, while Brazil will take on Spain in another friendly on the same day. AFP, REUTERS