England Under-20s 1 Brazil Under-20s 2: James Ward-Prowse shines but Brazil end England dream
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The England Under-20s manager, Gareth Southgate, saluted the quality of rising star James Ward-Prowse despite Brazil overcoming his side 2-1 on Monday night to all but seal their place in the prestigious final in Toulon.
Southampton’s Ward-Prowse produced a classy free-kick from just outside the box to beat Brazil goalkeeper Marcos with nine minutes left in the south of France. Yet despite the midfielder’s excellence – and similar technique to David Beckham during his pomp – Southgate saw his side’s hopes of winning the tournament effectively ended by the unbeaten Brazilians, who now need just a point against Qatar to seal their spot in Sunday’s final.
Southgate said: “Ironically, when you play Brazil people would expect them to come up with a moment of brilliance, but we do that. It was not a surprise because everything he does is top-drawer.
“You score goals like that because of professionalism and hours of practice.”
Goals in each half from Alisson and Lucas Silva condemned England to their first loss as Southgate’s side now face a key game with South Korea tomorrow to try to finish second in Group B.
Alisson put the South Americans ahead after eight minutes, capitalising on a mistake by England’s goalkeeper Jack Butland. Alisson worked a neat one-two with striker Thalles and, when Butland failed to gather, tapped in.
England came back as Nathan Redmond tested Marcos with a long-range shot. But, as in the first half, England conceded again eight minutes after the break.
Thalles’ pass to Silva deceived Liam Moore and he took the ball inside Luke Garbutt and then out before producing a smart finish into the bottom corner.
Ward-Prowse’s curling effort on 81 minutes offered hope but it was too late. He said: “It was nice to score, but we wanted to win the game and have a chance of winning the tournament.”
Southgate added: “Unfortunately, we gave away two goals uncharacteristic of us. Losing is not a feeling we like but in terms of experience we got what we wanted. Until you live through playing one of the best teams you don’t realise how good you can be. We’ve nothing to fear moving forward.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments