Sensational Endrick beats Bellingham and Mainoo in the battle of the wonderkids

Robin Bairner

• 23 Mar 2024 22:09 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid saw more evidence that Endrick will prove a worthwhile addition as Brazil beat England 1-0, with the 17-year-old notching his first international goal.

Endrick will join up with Los Blancos when he turns 18 but gave fans a tantalising glimpse of what he is capable of as he scored at Wembley on the occasion of just his second cap.

Taking up a smart position as future Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior broke clear on goal, the teenager tapped home the rebound into an empty net after Jordan Pickford saved the initial effort.

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It was quite a contribution for a young man who had only replaced another Bernabeu star in the form of Rodrygo 10 minutes earlier.

After scoring just one domestic goal in the early weeks of the Brazilian season for Palmeiras, this was some welcome respite.

Indeed, his goal was the high point of a match that Brazil deserved to win.

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Bellingham muzzled

England’s style rather muzzled Jude Bellingham, who has been in such explosive form for Real Madrid this season. His most notable contribution was a crunching tackle in the first half that resulted in him being booked.

It was a far cry from the decision figure who has lit up the Bernabeu this season.

On the other hand, there was also a debut for Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who featured at 18 years old. He also struggled to make the impact that Endrick had, yet he will have more chances to shine after a 15-minute cameo in place of Conor Gallagher.

The home side’s performance, meanwhile, raises more questions of the ability of Gareth Southgate’s side to overcome elite opposition, though they notably left Harry Kane out of the starting XI.

With doubts lingering over the Three Lions, it increasingly looks like Real Madrid are onto a winner with Endrick.