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LONDON. — Neymar and his Brazil colleagues were held to a frustrating goalless draw after a spirited display by a callow England team in Tuesday night’s international friendly soccer match at Wembley Stadium. Brazil coach Tite was able to name a first-choice starting XI, but despite the presence of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho in the visitors’ line-up, they tested England goalkeeper Joe Hart only three times.

For Gareth Southgate’s England, who were once again without stars such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling through injury, it was a second successive encouraging 0-0 draw following Friday’s stalemate with Germany. Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke’s appearance as a late substitute made him the sixth England player to have made his debut over the two games.

“In terms of heart, resilience and spirit, it was up there with anything I’ve been involved in,” Southgate told ITV. We’ve played the best two teams in the world and kept two clean sheets, which gives us something to build on.” — AFP