England Holds Brazil To Goalless Draw
England manager Gareth Southgate said his young side rewarded him for his “brave” team selection in their hard-fought goalless draw with Brazil in the friendly at Wembley.
Southgate made five changes to the team that started the 0-0 draw with Germany on Friday, giving Liverpool defender Joe Gomez a full debut and introducing Dominic Solanke as a substitute for his first cap.
“It gives me plenty to think about,” Southgate told BBC Radio 5 live. “We are in the early stages of piecing this team together and it gives me huge heart.
“We took some brave decisions and, goodness me, the young players have rewarded me with some top performances.”
Brazil’s greater quality and assurance in possession meant England spent much of the game on the defensive.
It gave Gomez the opportunity to demonstrate his quality with an outstanding display as part of England’s three-man central defence, while goalkeeper Joe Hart made crucial second-half saves from Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho.
England found chances a rarity, although Liverpool striker Solanke almost made it a dream debut in the closing seconds, only to miscontrol at the far post.
Southgate gave a first cap to substitute Dominic Solanke, 20, who has never started a Premier League match
Southgate’s side were second best for the most part but can take heart from emerging undefeated from two goalless draws with World Cup holders Germany and Brazil in this international break.
“In terms of heart, resilience and spirit it was up there with anything I’ve been involved in,” he added to ITV Sport.
“We couldn’t get hold of the ball and keep it. Tonight we just showed resilience, guts and some outstanding defending and I’m incredibly proud.”
