When Bia Zaneratto, the veteran forward for the Brazil Football Confederation, struck in the 12th minute, the roar at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium turned into a nervous hush.
England’s Lionesses, fresh off their Euro 2025 triumph, fell 1‑0 to a Brazil side reduced to ten men after a red card. The friendly, staged on Sunday, 26 October 2025, was the first senior outing for new‑look keeper Khiara Keating, who replaced the injured Hannah Hampton. The loss sent coach Sarina Wiegman scrambling to reassess tactics ahead of an Australia clash two days later.
Why the result matters
The match was more than a warm‑up; it was a litmus test for squad depth. England entered without captain Leah Williamson, sidelined by a hamstring strain, and without attacking firepower from Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, both out with injuries. Veteran defender Millie Bright had retired on 5 August 2025, leaving a leadership gap.
Brazil, reigning Copa América Femenina champions, proved resilient despite playing a man down after centre‑back Paula Ramos was dismissed in the 38th minute. Their defence held firm, and goalkeeper Letícia Tavares made a series of saves that kept England at bay.
Match timeline and key moments
- 12' – Bia Zaneratto heads in from a corner, giving Brazil the lead.
- 28' – England’s Ellen White forces a corner, but the ball is cleared.
- 38' – Referee Kateryna Monzul shows a second‑yellow to Paula Ramos; Brazil drops to ten.
- 55' – England presses; Khiara Keating makes a spectacular save from a close‑range effort.
- 78' – Brazil counters; a low drive hits the post, sparking a brief frenzy.
- 90+3' – Final whistle blows. Brazil wins 1‑0.
Quotes from the sidelines
“We knew Brazil would be dangerous, but losing after they went down a man feels like a missed opportunity,” admitted Sarina Wiegman in the post‑match interview. “We’ll learn, adjust, and come back stronger for Australia.”
Brazilian captain Marta Silva praised her side’s resolve: “Playing with ten is always tough, but the lads showed heart. Bia’s goal was a team effort, and we’ll carry this confidence forward.”
Reaction from The Football Association
The FA released a brief statement saying the friendly “provided valuable insights into squad depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign.” Technical director Arjan Veurink hinted at a possible midfield reshuffle, noting that “the lack of creative midfielders like James and Hemp was evident.”
Medical chief Dr. Carol Percy confirmed that Williamson’s hamstring will undergo a “moderate‑intensity rehab,” while Hampton’s injury is “expected to sideline her for at least six weeks.”
Implications for upcoming fixtures
England now faces Australia on 28 October 2025, a match that will act as the final tune‑up before the UEFA qualification group stage kicks off in April 2026. The Lionesses must decide whether to stick with the current back‑line or experiment with younger defenders like Lucy Bronze (who is actually a veteran but could be repositioned). The outcome will also influence commercial partners, as sponsors watch closely how the European champions handle adversity.
For Brazil, the victory reinforces their status as South America’s powerhouse and provides a morale boost before the upcoming CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup. Coach Marta Ribeiro praised the defensive discipline, noting that “playing a man down forced us to be compact and efficient.”
Key facts at a glance
- Result: England 0‑1 Brazil
- Goal scorer: Bia Zaneratto (12’)
- Red card: Paula Ramos (38’)
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester (capacity 53,400)
- Attendance: Approximately 45,000 fans
- Next match: England vs Australia, 28 Oct 2025
What’s next for the Lionesses?
Wiegman has a narrow window to integrate replacement players before the Australia game. The coaching staff will likely experiment with a three‑centre‑back system to compensate for Williamson’s absence, while offering Keating more minutes to settle into the senior level. Analysts predict that England’s midfield will see a rotation of Ellen White and Alex Greenwood to restore creativity.
Meanwhile, the FA is set to launch a fan‑engagement campaign ahead of the 2027 qualifiers, hoping to turn the disappointment into a rallying cry. The financial implications remain unclear, but a dip in merchandise sales is plausible if the team fails to secure early qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brazil's win affect England's World Cup qualification hopes?
The loss exposes depth issues, especially in defense and attack, but it won’t directly affect qualification points. However, it may prompt the FA to adjust the squad, ensuring a stronger line‑up for the crucial UEFA qualifiers beginning in April 2026.
Who scored for Brazil and what was the nature of the goal?
Forward Bia Zaneratto headed in a corner kick at the 12‑minute mark. The delivery from midfielder Ana Silva found her in the box, and she met it with a powerful header that beat Khiara Keating at her first senior appearance.
Why was England missing key players like Leah Williamson?
Williamson suffered a hamstring strain during training a week before the match, forcing her out. The FA announced her injury on 22 October 2025, and she will miss the next two friendlies while undergoing rehabilitation.
What tactical changes might Wiegman consider after the loss?
Analysts suggest shifting to a three‑centre‑back formation to cover for Williamson’s absence and deploying a more direct wing‑back approach to exploit Brazil’s reduced defensive line. Wiegman may also rotate the midfield, giving more minutes to younger talents like Freya Davies in the next match.
When and where is England's next match?
England will face Australia on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at a venue yet to be announced. The fixture is part of the same international window and serves as the final preparation before the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign.
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