Joe Gomez blasts Brazil’s ill-discipline against England and admits Wembley clash ‘wasn’t like a friendly’ – after visitors committed 19 fouls in 1-0 win

Joe Gomez has hit out at Brazil and their ill-discipline after they beat England 1-0 on Saturday evening.

Gareth Southgate‘s side suffered their first defeat since the 2022 World Cup against the Selecao, with 17-year-old Endrick netting a late winner at Wembley.

Despite having more possession and plenty of endeavour, England couldn’t find the necessary quality to get back into the game, with Brazil’s tenacity helping to ensure Dorival Junior won his first game since taking over.

During the clash, Brazil committed 19 fouls to England’s 11 and Lucas Paqueta was perhaps lucky to avoid a second yellow card after being guilty of several late challenges in the first half.

And Gomez – who won his 12th England cap, but his first since October 2020 – blasted Brazi’s conduct.

Brazil wonderkid Endrick scored a late winner for the visitors after tapping in a rebound

Lucas Paqueta was perhaps lucky to avoid a second yellow after making several late tackles

‘The number of fouls they gave away was, I’m sure, on the higher end of the scale,’ the in-form Liverpool defender said.

‘It just shows both teams wanted to win and didn’t treat it like a friendly. It’s an important time for the team, leading up to a major tournament, so that’s the way Gareth [Southgate] wants us to approach the game.

‘It’s a massive fixture against a top team, so it was nice to be out there. It’s disappointing we didn’t get the win. The team played so well and dominated a lot of the game. They showed their quality with that chance.’

England’s players and staff were left frustrated after Paqueta avoided a red card, with coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink involved in a spat with the fourth official at half-time, which was believed to be in regards to the West Ham midfielder.

But, despite his frustration, Gomez went onto praise Brazil’s performance and insisted there wasn’t much in the game.

England were left frustrated as they suffered their first defeat since the 2022 Qatar World Cup

 Gomez (right) made his first England appearance since 2020 after his good form for Liverpool

He added: ‘They’ve got well-established quality up front. They’re really good in and around the box, and with those combinations they showed how sharp they are. 

‘They finished the chance off to win the game, and those are the fine margins.

‘They did well, but we have a lot of things to be positive about as well. We kept the ball well and had good possession. It’s an important game on Tuesday [against Belgium]. We want to gain momentum again.’