"MANCHESTER -- There was very little about England's 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Saturday which was welcoming for the start of their "Homecoming Series," as they've called it. For the first 21 minutes of what was meant to be a celebration of their logic-defying Euro 2025 triumph, the Lionesses' had turned up at their own house party and found the place trashed, spray painted in Brazilian green and gold. Then, after the red card for Brazil captain Angelina, England pressed and prodded for 70 minutes, but couldn't find a way to definitively assert their numerical advantage -- only getting one back on the scoreboard from the penalty spot."
"Yes, England were without several of the team that guided them to their rollercoaster triumph in Switzerland back in July, and had a debutant goalkeeper in Khiara Keating. But Brazil will care little about that and dominated the first 20 minutes to go two goals up, only for the flow of the match to head back into England's favor after the dismissal. Down to 10 players, Brazil's aggressive high line and player-to-player marking became less suffocating, and the Lionesses had far more space and time to take control. But in the end not even super-sub Michelle Agyemang, so often England's savior in the summer, could find the answer this time."
"This was a "friendly" only in name. Brazil celebrated each of their goals as if this match was the Finalissima v2. There were late tackles, immense frustration, a red card, plenty of aggression. Sure it won't count towards any trophies, but this was played right on the edge. Exactly what you want as a coach, you imagine, but if you're looking for English lessons learnt from this defeat to Brazil, it illustrated the juggling act facing Sarina Wiegman over the next two"
England lost 2-1 to Brazil in Manchester, undermining the start of the Homecoming Series after their Euro 2025 triumph. Brazil dominated the opening 20 minutes and opened a two-goal lead, celebrating each strike intensely. Brazil captain Angelina received a red card, after which England controlled more possession and territory but managed only a penalty from the spot. Several Euro 2025 regulars were absent and Khiara Keating made a debut in goal. Down to ten, Brazil's high line loosened, giving England space, yet substitutes including Michelle Agyemang could not produce an equalizer amid aggressive, edge-of-control play.
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