Endrick makes history as Brazil beat England to launch new era

Coming off their worst period for over 60 years, Brazil hope Dorival Junior 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 their manager's debut with victory against an England side expected to make a strong challenge 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.

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 goal-scorer 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," said Dorival Junior.

Endrick's emergence is a breath of fresh air for Brazil after an unusually stale period for the Selecao. Snubbed by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and frustrated by the failings of two caretaker managers, Dorival Junior has been tasked with ensuring Brazil qualify for the World Cup.

The 61-year-old left Sao Paolo to take charge of Brazil in January, moving into world football's most scrutinised job at a time when his country had just finished a calender year with more defeats (five) than wins (three) for the first time since 1963.

Beaten in three consecutive World Cup qualifiers for the first time