- England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday.
- Anthony Gordon, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo make their England debuts
- The English Euro 2004 team was incredible on paper, but they didn’t win. Will this crop be able to do it this summer? Listen to the everything is beginning podcast
A touching video shows Gareth Southgate handing out England caps to the Three Lions’ new debutants.
Southgate’s side returned to action on Saturday but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley after Real Madrid’s young prodigy Endrick scored a late goal for the Selecao.
However, it was a chance to experiment for the England manager as several key men such as Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka missed out through injury.
Anthony Gordon was rewarded for his strong form at Newcastle and impressive exploits for England Under 21s by starting at left wing, while Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo came off the bench to make their debuts too.
And on Sunday, Southgate presented England’s new stars with their caps commemorating the Three Lions legacy.
Gareth Southgate presented England caps to the Three Lions’ new debutants on Sunday
Kobbie Mainoo, Ezri Konsa and Anthony Gordon won their first cap against Brazil on Saturday
Gordon was rewarded for an impressive season with Newcastle by starting on the left wing.
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In a video shared on X by England’s official account, the 53-year-old led the performance and praised the trio for their breakthrough.
He said: ‘Three boys making their debut. Those of you who have played 40 or 50 caps or more remember that moment and what it was like.
‘An incredible memory for you. You join me now in numbers 1278, 1279, 1280.
‘Going back to Bobby Charlton’s, Bobby Moore’s, that’s the club you join.
‘So, congratulations Anthony. Ez, at minute 20 you come in and mark Vinicius (Jnr). Not a bad start in life (as an international).’
Southgate has become renowned for producing new talent during his eight years in charge, with the introduction of Mainoo in the 75th minute meaning the Man United midfielder became the 64th player to debut under the manager. from England.
Jesse Lingard was the first star to debut for the 53-year-old in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Malta in 2016.
The last player to debut against the newest trio was Manchester City defender Rico Lewis, who played against North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier last November.
Konsa was tasked with marking Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr after replacing Kyle Walker.
Mainoo came off the bench late as the 18-year-old became the Three Lions’ latest debutant.
Lewis and his former City teammate James Trafford were called up to the squad on Sunday as replacements for Harry Maguire and Sam Johnstone, who were forced to withdraw through injury.
Gordon, Konsa and Mainoo will now hope to add a second cap to their record against Belgium on Tuesday as they look to force their way into Southgate’s Euro 2024 plans.
In the meantime, they will also want to avoid joining the 365 players who have earned just one cap for the Three Lions in their careers.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite now remains the only non-international outfield player in the England squad and the former Carlisle youth player could get some minutes against the likes of Romelu Lukaku tomorrow afternoon at Wembley.
