BRAZIL
Brazil team news: Will Endrick start against Spain at the Bernabéu?
The 17-year-old star is bound for Real Madrid and announced his name on the international stage with a winner against England last Saturday.
He is still a few months shy of his 18th birthday but Brazilian sensational Endrick has already reached heights that few players manage in their entire careers. Last weekend Endrick came off the bench at Wembley Stadium to score the only goal against England, securing Brazil’s first victory under new coach Dorival Junior.
The 17-year-old striker tapped home from close range to give Brazil the win and his prodigal talents have created a clamour for his inclusion from the start against Spain on Tuesday. Brazil close off their international break fixtures at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Endrick will soon be playing his club soccer.
He has already penned a deal that will take him to Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer. Dorival could choose to field Endrick up front alongside future Madrid teammates Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes.
“If he keeps up the attitude he has shown up to now, [Endrick] will be a very important name in Brazilian football and world football,” Dorival said after Saturday’s victory.
Who will play for Brazil against Spain?
Speaking after the Wembley win the new Brazil head coach reiterated his confidence in this Brazil squad, one that boasts an array of elite attacking options. After underperforming at the 2022 World Cup the Brazilian public will demand major improvement at the Copa América in the United States this summer.
“I have a lot of trust in these boys,” Dorival explained. “I am hoping for a lot more from this team, but I think this shows what we are capable of going forward.”
His team have the opportunity to reiterate their potential when they take on the Spanish national side. Dorival is expected to make changes to the team for his second game in charge, giving him the opportunity to get a look at more of his players in action.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison missed out on the England game due to concern over a knee issue, suggesting that he may not feature again. Goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson Becker are both injured so Bento will likely retain the No. 1 jersey.
Brazil predicted team: Bento - Danilo, Bremer, Beraldo, Wendell - Paqueta, Guimares, Luiz - Galeno, Rodrygo, Raphinha
FC Porto forward Galeno could well come into the team to make his international debut. Vini Jr may start on the bench after playing 89 minutes against England but he is certain to feature at some point. Endrick will likely get another chance for Brazil but it may come off the bench, with his manager opting against handing him a start in such a high-profile game.
“Regarding these players, from my experience, you have to give them time and be very cautious,” said Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente. “Suddenly there’s talk that [Endrick] can be the new Pele, good heavens! That is to put too much pressure [on him]. At times it generates a lot of stress, a demand that they are not mentally mature enough to deal with.”