Arsenal's Jack Wilshere was England's man of the match against Brazil

Published: 7 February, 2013
by PAUL COWLING
 

International Friendly
ENGLAND 2, BRAZIL 1

JACK Wilshere made his first start for England in 20 months, and made up for lost time with a man-of-the-match performance that set England on their way to a morale-boosting win over Brazil – their first over them in 23 years.

After an even opening quarter, Brazil were awarded a penalty when Wilshere was harshly adjudged to have handled in the area. But justice was done as Ronaldinho's spot-kick was well saved by Joe Hart.

Eight minutes later, England were ahead. Wilshere set up Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott, whose shot was saved by keeper Julio Cesar, but Wayne Rooney picked up the rebound to calmly drill the ball home.

The second half was only three minutes old when Brazil were gifted an equaliser. Gary Cahill lost possession after taking too long to clear. The ball fell to Fred who made no mistake.

The striker could have had a second a minute later, after Hart's poor clearance, but his first time shot flew over the bar.

To their credit, England didn't buckle and took the game to their visitors. 

Walcott's runs were a constant menace, one of which led to England retaking the lead. This time Brazil failed to clear, and Rooney set up Frank Lampard to curl a spectacular shot into the net for 2-1.

But it was Wilshere who stood out. He was everywhere: running into space, dragging players with him, zipping the ball out wide and putting out paper-basket fires that were largely of England's own making, when their passes went astray.

The Arsenal man inspired his team-mates to snap at heels to win the ball back and frustrate Brazil further.

Coach Roy Hodgson was delighted with the result that sets England up for the vital World Cup qualifier away to Montenegro next month.

"Apart from a mad spell when Brazil equalised, we showed character and dealt with them. We asked plenty of questions," he said.

"There is confidence and belief in the team, to take into the next match."

If England are to be at the World Cup in Brazil next year, this result against the tournament hosts will have gone a long way to achieving that.

England: Hart, Johnson, Cahill, Smalling, Cole (Baines 46), Cleverley ( Lampard 46), Gerrard, Wilshere, Walcott (Lennon 75), Rooney, Welbeck (Milner 60). Subs: Walker, Butland, Jagielka, Lescott, Osman, Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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