There was something hypnotic about watching Brazil complete pass after pass to the tune of the Samba beat coming from the yellow corner of Wembley. But before the crowd fell into a trance, Neymar produced a first-half moment that was worth the admission fee alone – even though it did not result in a goal. As the ball reached him on the edge of the penalty area, the world’s most expensive footballer chipped the ball over Eric Dier with the outside of his left boot into the path of Gabriel Jesus.It did not particularly matter that Jesus was correctly flagged offside, Wembley had witnessed a unique piece of skill akin to a Phil Mickelson flop shot in golf or the deftest of Roger Federer volleys at Wimbledon.
Neymar was the star attraction on Tuesday night, as the high-pitched squeals every time he touched the ball underlined. You could only feel sorry for Jake Livermore, as he nutmegged his way past the West Bromwich Albion midfielder and attacked England’s defence. He had not been ready to carry the weight of a nation in 2014, but Neymar is warming up to be one of the stars of the Russia World Cup. Unburdened of the captaincy, the 25-year-old played with a freedom at Wembley and is clearly happy to have Jesus and Philippe Coutinho around him. But this was not just the Neymar show and nor will it be at the World Cup, as Brazil head coach Tite has very consciously built a team that is no longer reliant on one man or a single piece of outrageous skill. There is power in the form of Jesus and Paulinho, cunning from Coutinho and, shock horror, sharp defending from Miranda. Brazil also boast two of the better goalkeepers in the world in Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson.
Brazil were broken following the humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany, but Tite has pieced them back together with largely the same players who had failed so badly under Dunga. When he took over in June 2016, Brazil were languishing sixth in South American World Cup qualifying. But they comfortably booked their place in Russia with 10 wins from 12 qualifiers to top their group. Make no mistake, Brazil are in Russia to win a sixth World Cup, while England will be happy to hang on to the coattails of the real contenders. That is not to say that England were completely outclassed by Brazil, as clear-cut chances were few and far between thanks mainly to John Stones, who would not look out of place in Tite’s team, and man-of-the-match full debutant Joe Gomez.
Marcus Rashford, who grew up watching internet clips of Ronaldo, caused the Brazil defence problems with his pace and confidence to run at them, and substitute Tammy Abraham was inches away from tapping in an unlikely late winner. But there was always a sense that Brazil were toying with England, rather than going for the kill, and their strength was further demonstrated when Tite was able to call for Willian from the bench when Coutinho had tired. Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho also got on for Renato Augusto and struck the foot of the post with a 25-yard drive that had beaten England goalkeeper Joe Hart. Brazil may not have taught this young England team a lesson in terms of the scoreline, but there was enough in their performance to support the fact they are at the World Cup as one of the favourites.