It had been seven years since the English and Brazilians had last crossed swords. Their last confrontation dates back to November 2017 and ended 0-0. This friendly match is a rarity; if we dig deeper, the penultimate meeting between England and Brazil dates from February 2013. The “Three Lions” then won 2 to 1, thanks to the achievements of Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. Former Lyonnais Fred scored the only Brazilian goal.
Historically, England’s record against Brazil is negative: only 4 wins for 10 draws and 11 defeats. The selections having changed since 2017, this statistic should be taken lightly.
Semi-finalist at the 2018 World Cup, finalist at Euro 2020 and quarter-finalist at the 2022 World Cup, England will be able to count, in addition to its own dynamics, on those of its club players. Jude Bellingham is the top scorer in La Liga with Real Madrid (16 goals), and Harry Kane does the same in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich (31 goals). Other players – like Declan Rice, who qualified for the Champions League quarter-final with Arsenal – suggest the “unplayable” nature of this England team.
Despite the armada that awaits them at Wembley, the Brazilians remain confident in their strength. “The Brazilian national team will always be favorites against any team, at any time, because they are the greatest team in the world,” said Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira.
For his first match at the head of the Auriverdes, coach Dorival Junior cannot count on Neymar (injured) and Marquinhos (unavailable). The Brazilian team remains well stocked, led by winger Vinicius Jr. and midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
The friendly match between England and Brazil can be followed this Saturday March 23 at 8 p.m. – kick-off time at Wembley – in full on the L’Équipe channel.
