Chloe Kelly Alessia Russo England Brazil compositeGetty Images/GOAL
Ameé Ruszkai

England women's player ratings vs Brazil: Party pooped! Chloe Kelly can't find magic touch as Lionesses defeated in first game since Euro 2025 triumph

Saturday evening was meant to be all about England. In action for the first time since their second successive European Championship triumph back in July, and with the silverware brought out ahead of kick-off, to much applause and cheer, the 'homecoming series' was underway, to celebrate another huge achievement for the Lionesses. However, Brazil clearly hadn't read the script and they assumed the role of party poopers, beating Sarina Wiegman's side 2-1 after an electric, and dramatic, start.

With just 21 minutes on the clock, the Selecao were 2-0 up but reduced to 10, after a rather thoughtless decision from Angelina saw her bring down Ella Toone through on goal. It looked like one that was likely to cost her team, after the forward line had so effectively ripped England's defence apart to net twice in the first 18 minutes, through Bia Zaneratto and then Dudinha.

But despite the occasion, the Lionesses' couldn't quite live up to the billing. It was a game of few chances, despite that numerical advantage, with Georgia Stanway's penalty halving the deficit and her strike against the crossbar, alongside Alex Greenwood's first half free-kick that also hit the upright, the closest the European champions came to levelling things up against a side that won Copa America this past summer. There were half chances for the likes of Jess Carter, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Beth Mead, but a surprising lack of cutting edge from this England team, even with Wiegman resisting the urge for major experimentation and sticking to most of her tried and trusted stars.

GOAL rates the Lionesses' players from the Etihad Stadium...

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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Khiara Keating (6/10):

    Was a bystander once Brazil went down to 10, which allowed her to settle more after her England debut had started with a couple of nervy moments. Her distribution wasn't as pinpoint as it can be, but she seemed to acknowledge that herself and stopped trying to make things happen which was good to see.

    Maya Le Tissier (5/10):

    Starting in a much-disputed right-back role, she often left Carter exposed on the counter by not covering the space behind her adequately enough, which was a key factor in both of Brazil's goals.

    Jess Carter (5/10):

    Needed better support with her for Brazil's two early goals. Did well otherwise and was solid in possession.

    Esme Morgan (6/10):

    After an iffy start in an unfamiliar back line, she grew into the game and mopped up with regularity at the back.

    Alex Greenwood (6/10):

    Again, started slowly but got better as the game went on, supporting the attack well and looking assured in defence. Unlucky not to score when a brilliant free-kick hit the bar in the first half.

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    Midfield

    Keira Walsh (5/10):

    Didn't do much wrong but didn't take centre stage and really make things happen either. 

    Georgia Stanway (6/10):

    Got England back into things with her penalty, even if it wasn't the most convincing one she's scored, and came the closest of anyone to completing the comeback when her strike from range hit the bar.

    Ella Toone (5/10):

    It was her run from deep which led to the red card incident but she couldn't get involved much beyond that, scuffing her one decent chance into Lorena's arms.

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    Attack

    Chloe Kelly (4/10):

    Perhaps owing to a lack of minutes and, as such, rhythm, she really struggled to impact this game. Had a decent chance just before being subbed off but saw her effort blocked.

    Alessia Russo (6/10):

    Her link-up play in this game was excellent, creating chances for several team-mates. Didn't get much service herself, though. Had a header from close range go over the bar after being unable to really control the attempt.

    Beth Mead (6/10):

    Caused problems for Brazil throughout with her directness and positivity, though her decision-making let her down a few times when she got into dangerous areas.

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    Subs & Manager

    Lucy Bronze (6/10):

    Slotted in just fine as she continues to build her minutes after injury. Her introduction also allowed Le Tissier to move into a central role, where she was improved.

    Aggie Beever-Jones (5/10):

    Couldn't really make a telling impact on the game, with one half-chance passing her by but the offside flag going up anyway.

    Michelle Agyemang (N/A):

    Made an immediate impact after coming on for the final stages, giving the Brazil defence something totally different to deal with.

    Sarina Wiegman (4/10):

    Experimentation was disappointingly limited given this was a friendly and the most significant outfield change, which saw Le Tissier play at right-back, caused a lot of the issues that allowed Brazil to go 2-0 up early on. Didn't make a lot of subs, either, with there not as many opportunities handed out as one might've expected.