International Friendlies: Germany beats France; Brazil edges England
Florian Wirtz scored Germany’s fastest international goal after only seven seconds as the Euro 2024 hosts earned a confidence-boosting 2-0 friendly victory over France on Saturday to bag their first win in their last four games.
Wirtz thundered in a shot from a quick pass from Toni Kroos, back from a three-year international retirement, straight after kickoff.
The Germans, under pressure to improve after just two wins in their last 10 matches before Saturday, doubled their lead early in the second half with Kai Havertz finishing a quick passing move.
France had their best chance to level through Kylian Mbappe in the 25th minute but struggled in the second half to create any real opportunities before Germany defender Antonio Ruediger hit his own post as he tried to clear a ball.
Germany next play Netherlands in three days while France face Chile on Tuesday.
An injury-hit Brazil beat England 1-0 in coach Dorival Junior’s first match in charge as 17-year-old substitute Endrick scored the 80th-minute winner in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday.
Endrick, who is due to join Real Madrid in July from Palmeiras, tapped into an empty net after England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could only parry a shot from Vinicius Jr. on the break.
The South Americans, who have struggled in their World Cup qualifiers and gave debuts to five players in their starting 11, had a good chance when Lucas Paqueta hit the post in the 35th minute.
England, also missing key players through injury including captain Harry Kane, barely tested Bento who was making his first appearance for Brazil in goal, despite coach Gareth Southgate opting for an attack-minded line-up.
England continue their preparations for Euro 2024 on Tuesday when they host Belgium in a friendly at Wembley while Brazil face Spain in Madrid the same day.
