The European champions lost 2-1 to Brazil in the Copa America championship in their homecoming friendly at the Etihad, both sides' first game since lifting their respective titles in July.
The coordination of this game was criticised as it was played at the exact time that Manchester United were playing four miles down the road in the Premier League. The FA suggested that 43,000 tickets were issued, but only 37,460 attended the game, as the stadium has a capacity of 53,400.
Brazil opened the scoreboard through Bia Zaneratto in just nine minutes. This meant the manager had to give a keeper their senior debut. However, it was concerning that she chose the keeper who, this season, has not played week in, week out and has played against weaker sides, with some fluctuating performances. However, Keating became the first black woman to play in goal for England’s senior team.
The second goal for Brazil came when Ella Toone was dispossessed in midfield, which allowed Zaneratto to release Dudinha, who curled in a second from the left side of the box with the outside of her foot.
After going down 2-0, it is clear how much England is reeling in the absence of Leah Williamson, Hannah Hampton, and Millie Bright, who have retired.
But Brazil's highs came plummeting down in the 21st minute when Brazil captain Angelina was shown a straight red card for pulling back Toone as she broke through on goal.
This gave England a chance through a free-kick, Alex Greenwood smashed against the crossbar, Jess Carter heading the rebound over, before Toone sent another effort wide as England tried to get back into the game after being shocked by going two goals down.
England came back in the second half, dominating possession (69.8%), and registered 18 shots to Brazil's 10.
The home side got back into the game as Beth Mead was clipped in the box by Bia Zaneratto, who scored the first goal of the game as Mead shaped to shoot, and the ref gave a penalty after consultation.
This event shifted momentum, but did not instantly transform England’s performance. Their passing lacked tempo, and decision-making in the final third was hesitant.
Georgia Stanway confidently converted to make it 2-1.
There were options from Alessia Russo headed narrowly over, and substitutes Aggie Beever-Jones, Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang all went close in the final stages but could not get it over the line despite their one-player advance.
When Lucy Bronze came on in the 63rd minute, Maya Le Tissier, who started at right back out of position, moved into the centre back role, where she has played for Manchester United for 103 of 104 games for the club
Brazil held firm and defended their league with resilience, celebrating passionately at full-time.
While the dazzle of the Euros trophy brought out by Ellen White definitely dulled very quickly, as the home side looked visibly shaken by Brazil's aggressive press.
Although this game was described as ‘friendly’, the Brazilian side clearly did not get the message, with one player grabbing Chloe Kelly's neck at one point and numerous disagreements between the teams that required the referee's intervention.
The visitors benefited from their slick counter-attacks, which exploited England's fragile and disorganised defence.
Zaneratto and Dudinha repeatedly targeted the space behind Morgan and Walsh, while England’s midfield lost shape after Toone’s early error.
England dominated the first half, holding 70% possession and winning nine corners.
Sarina Wiegman, England manager, said: “They started how we expected them to be aggressive, quick in transition. As soon as we played short, they punished us. That’s exactly what we didn’t want to do. After the red card, we dominated, but what was missing was the final part. They’re very physical and defend well. We were a bit unlucky, but we can do better in our decision-making and execution.”
“We didn’t give away that much after the first 20 minutes, which is a positive. We know what needs work, and that’s why we play these games to keep developing.”
Wiegman on Khiara Keating's debut: “She grew into it really well to make your debut at your home stadium, in front of that crowd, is special. She’ll take a lot from it.”
Georgia Stanway, England's goalscorer, honest review: “The first 20 minutes were disappointing from us; it put us on the back foot. However, in the second half, we had numerous chances. On another day, those go in. It’s not a step back, it's a lesson. We wanted to celebrate with our fans after the Euros, and we did that even if the result wasn’t what we wanted.”
“Playing against teams outside Europe is different, more physical, more unpredictable. We’ll learn from it and build for the next match.”
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