England face Brazil at Wembley tonight as Gareth Southgate’s side continue their Euro 2024 preparations with a marquee friendly fixture. The Three Lions have been hit by an injury crisis in what is their penultimate match before Southgate names his training squad for the European Championships this summer, with captain Harry Kane and winger Bukayo Saka among those who will play no part against Brazil tonight.
That could lead to opportunities for several names on the fringes of Southgate’s plans to make their case to be brought to Germany. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been chosen to the line in Kane’s absence, while Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been handed his full international debut. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Manchester United’s 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could get the chance to make their first England appearances from the bench.
Brazil have also been hit by injuries ahead of the March international break and could be left with an inexperienced line-up at Wembley, although coach Dorival will still have the likes of Vinicius Jr and 17-year-old star talent Endrick to call upon. England are playing their first match of the year and will be back in action when they host Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Follow live updates from England vs Brazil in our live blog, below, and get the latest match odds and tips, here.
England 0-0 Brazil
16 mins: CLOSE! Another chance as Paqueta dispossesses Foden and slips it to Rodrygo. The Real Madrid man manages to squeeze a shit through as he’s falling, but it goes wide of the far post.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:19
England 0-0 Brazil
15 mins: Walker was down for a bit after that clearance and seemed to be holding his hamstring, but it looks like he’ll be okay to play on.
As soon as he comes back on, Brazil have another chance as Vini Jr dummies in the box and takes it past Walker. He falls under a challenge from the Englishman, but no foul given.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:19
England 0-0 Brazil
12 mins: CLOSE! The first real chance of the game, and Walker clears off the line!
It’s a simple chance too, as Lucas Paqueta clips a lofted through ball over the top of the England defence. The line is too high and Vinicius Jr. is played clean through.
Pickford is in no man’s land as he’s caught between two minds whether to come out or not, but he’s lucky as Vini Jr.’s shot is weak, and though it does beat Pickford, Walker is running back to clear off the line.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:16
England 0-0 Brazil
10 mins: A ball out to Raphinha is promising but Chillwell does well to tackle. England have the ball and are playing it around the back confidently, but there’s been no attacking threat yet.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:13
England 0-0 Brazil
8 mins: Gordon chases down Danilo but it goes out for a throw. England are pressing well in the opening stages.
Vini Jr. carries Brazil into the England half and they get their first shot on target as Raphinha plays it in to Rodrygo, who drives at goal and hits a shot almost straight at Pickford.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:11
England 0-0 Brazil
5 mins: Chilwell takes this one, but Maguire is offside as the ball comes in.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:08
England 0-0 Brazil
4 mins: First cheers of the night as Vini Jr. lets it run out of play as he miscontrols.
England play out nicely from the back and Gallagher carries well until he’s fouled by Paqueta. Another free-kick in almost exactly the same position as a couple of minutes ago.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:07
England 0-0 Brazil
2 mins: Gallagher wins the first England free-kick. Foden whips it in from the right and it’s a good ball, but no England player can get a head to it.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:05
England 0-0 Brazil
1 min: It’s easy to forget that several Brazil players will be playing for a starting place during the Copa America.
People like Guimaraes, Richarlison, Gomes and Raphinha will be looking to impress new Brazil manager Dorival Júnior.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:04
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Brazil
There is a minute of applause for ex-England manager Terry Venables, who sadly passed away in November 2023. Both teams are wearing black armbands in remembrance.
Brazil get us underway for the evening.
Chris Wilson23 March 2024 19:02