England coach in fiery tunnel bust-up as trio produce mixed Euro 2024 auditions vs Brazil

England were undone by 17-year-old Brazilian starlet Endrick as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against their South American opponents at Wembley Stadium. Gareth Southgate was given plenty to assess as the Three Lions boss ramps up preparations for Euro 2024. Here, Express Sport takes a look at the key talking points from the game...

England coach fumes in half-time tunnel row

England coach Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with Brazil’s players in the tunnel at half-time as he vented his frustration at the fourth official. The Three Lions were frustrated by Brazil’s physical approach, with Jude Bellingham in particular on the receiving end of several bad challenges.

According to Channel 4, former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink emerged into the tunnel area and shouted: “One, two, three, four… too many fouls!”

Brazil centre-back Danilo is claimed to have argued back at Hasselbaink in Portuguese.

Ollie Watkins struggles as battle to be Harry Kane’s No 2 heats up

The battle to be Harry Kane’s understudy is one that no England player has properly grasped. Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Callum Wilson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have all been used over the last few years but none have come to the fore as a genuine alternative to the Three Lions captain.

Watkins was given the nod against Brazil in the absence of Kane but his style does not seem to fit naturally into this England team. Unlike Kane, whose constant involvement in build-up play is a great asset, Watkins relies on his team-mates to create his chances.

The Aston Villa striker’s only half-chance saw him lash a bobbling ball high over the crossbar. It was a difficult opportunity but was one that Kane would have buried.

Anthony Gordon is a genuine contender for England’s attack

With Marcus Rashford struggling for form and Jack Grealish recovering from injury, Anthony Gordon has emerged as a contender for England’s left wing at Euro 2024. The Newcastle star caught the eye on his senior international debut at Wembley.

Gordon’s direct running style offers a new dynamic to England’s team, in a squad where the wide men are often known to prefer to drift inside and act more as attacking midfielders rather than out-and-out wingers. Rashford prefers to position himself higher up the pitch, almost as a wide striker, while Grealish glides into central positions.

At times, Gordon was guilty of running into traffic. But it was a promising start to an international career for a player who has given Southgate plenty to ponder over the coming months.

Conor Gallagher excels as Jordan Henderson’s heir

The third player who might have seen this game as an audition for their place at Euro 2024 is Conor Gallagher. The midfielder started alongside Declan Rice in a partnership that could be Southgate’s preferred midfield duo, allowing Jude Bellingham the freedom to express himself further forward.

Gallagher appears to be the natural successor to Jordan Henderson. Possessing a similar combative, all-action playing style, the Chelsea man’s game complements that of Rice and Bellingham.

With Kalvin Phillips out of the international picture, the midfield place alongside Rice appears to be heading in Gallagher’s favour heading into the summer’s tournament.

Endrick stuns England with late goal

Southgate handed a senior debut to the 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo - but it was Brazil’s own teenage star who stole the headlines. Striker Endrick came on to score the game’s only goal.

Endrick stabbed home a rebound from close range to announce himself on the international stage. Real Madrid beat Chelsea and a host of other top European clubs to the youngster’s signature, with the forward set to move to Spain later this year.