Bethany England featured in the closing stages of the Lionesses’ friendly against Brazil when she came on in replacement of Reign FC’s Jodie Taylor. The Chelsea player, who has been in fine form domestically having been named last season’s top goal scorer, instantly impacted the game when she pulled a goal back for Phil Neville’s side who were trailing by two goals. England’s skipper Steph Houghton sent a glorious ball into England who steered her headed effort into the top corner of the net to register her first senior Lionesses goal with 10 minutes left on the clock.

England hosted the Samba stars at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium in front of a bumper crowd, yet despite the fantastic support, the winless run has now extended to five. The Lionesses were made to pay when they failed to take their chances in the first half as Brazil soon punished them with two second half finishes by striker Debinha Miri.

Carly Telford was the only other Chelsea player who was part of the Lionesses squad on this occasion but was an an unused substitute as Neville opted for Manchester United’s Mary Earps in goal. Fran Kirby and Millie Bright had withdrawn and returned to Cobham in the build-up to the game.

England travel to Setubal to play Portugal in a friendly on Tuesday which kicks off at 7pm.