Gareth Southgate insists Ben Chilwell delivered a ‘very good’ performance during England’s 1-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday evening.
The Three Lions experienced a frustrating evening and ultimately suffered their first loss at Wembley in 21 games as Endrick’s close-range goal secured the victory for Brazil.
Chilwell started on England’s left side but struggled to make an impact going forward, while Brazil took advantage of the space left behind by the Chelsea defender.
The 27-year-old was replaced by Joe Gomez in the 67th minute and his performance has raised further questions over his ability to stand in for Luke Shaw, who is sidelined until April with a hamstring injury.
But speaking after England’s loss at Wembley, Southgate said he was encouraged by Chilwell’s performance.
‘There were lots of very good performances,’ Southgate said.
‘It was a top-level game, we controlled long parts of it and had as many attempts on goal as them.
‘It’s a classic game against a South American team. In a [competitive game] there might have been more cards given.
‘We knew to expect that and we played from the back really well. I’m not unhappy with a lot about the performance.
‘In the end it’s that ruthless moment that decides the game, but there were some important individual performances for us.
‘Anthony [Gordon] was excellent, in both sides of his game. Ben Chilwell was very good, he was assertive in his defending and he provided us with width.
‘We have to manage him carefully because he’s been out for a while.’
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