England 0-1 Brazil: A Harsh and Timely Reality Check

England manager Gareth Southgate received a stark reminder of the lingering concerns surrounding his team as they prepare for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.

The defeat to Brazil in a Wembley friendly, while not catastrophic in the grand scheme of things, highlighted some ongoing issues for England. It’s important to contextualize this loss within the framework of a revamped England squad missing key players like Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka due to injury.

While it’s not the time for definitive judgments, the loss was nonetheless disappointing for England, marking their first defeat since the World Cup quarter-final against France in Qatar in December 2022. Additionally, it ended their 21-game unbeaten streak at Wembley dating back to October 2020.

Despite some occasional bright moments, England displayed two glaring flaws that remain causes for concern. The defensive vulnerabilities, especially in the center, were once again exposed by Brazil’s pace and skill. This has been a recurring issue for England against top-class opposition.

The left side of England’s defense, particularly the performance of Harry Maguire, raised concerns. Maguire, along with Ben Chilwell and Lewis Dunk, made too many mistakes, highlighting an area that could be exploited by opponents in major tournaments.

Southgate acknowledged the ruthlessness of football at this level, emphasizing the need to minimize errors, especially as England eyes a potential clash with France in the Euro 2024 semi-final. The absence of Kane was also felt, leaving England looking blunt in attack.

Jude Bellingham’s painful night, marked by rough treatment from Brazil’s players, further underscored the challenges facing England as they aim to fulfill high expectations in the upcoming Euros.

While the loss to Brazil may not be a seismic shock, it serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead for Southgate and his team. Despite recent successes, including reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final, England must address their vulnerabilities to achieve success on the biggest stage.

The defeat to Brazil highlighted areas of improvement for England, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues as they prepare for the Euros in Germany.