Ox tail end to uneven England performance in Rio

Brazil 2 England 2 (International Friendly)

Sunday 3 June 2013

England rescued a pretty sorry first half display with a reinvigorated performance after half time, inspired by 19-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

A friendly international in Rio de Janeiro's famous Maracana Stadium saw Brazil dominate possession in a first half where England looked jaded at the tail end of a long season for the players.

As they struggled to keep and pass the ball against a technically proficient Brazil, England were fortunate to go into the break on level terms and were grateful for some excellent work by goalkeeper Joe Hart.

But they were punished after 57 minutes when Fred scored from a finely controlled shot after Hernane's shot rebounded from the crossbar.

Shortly after, England manager Roy Hodgson brought on the young Arsenal midfielder Oxlade-Chamberlain to replace the under-par Glen Johnson, with Phil Jones switching to right back.

'The Ox' immediately provided more impetus to the attack, and scored just a few minutes later with a fantastic strike from the edge of the area.

As if to provide a timely reminder of his talent, Wayne Rooney struck England's second, a deflected shot from about 25 yards out after 79 minutes. Suddenly England, almost unrecognisable from the anodyne team of the first 45 minutes, looked a match for their hosts. But their lead was shortlived.

Brazil's Paulinho volleyed an unstoppable shot past Hart just three minutes later to level the scores and remind England of the quality of the five time Worl Cup winners.

England will want to forget a first half display that, had it continued for the full 90 minutes, would have led to further criticism of the team's technique, strategy and formation. But credit must go to a battling goalkeeping performance from Joe Hart to keep England in the game; and a heartening second half in which they grew in confidence and purpose.

With the injured pair of skipper Stephen Gerrard and young midfield talent Jack Wilshere to return, Roy Hodgson will be encouraged that his side have at least defied the pessimists and matched the masters of the beautiful game in their backyard.

While no one will rush to acclaim such an uneven performance, young 'Ox' will at least have made a mark that will provide a more bullish sense of optimism towards a so often frustrating national side.