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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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England progress despite late defeat

England 1 Brazil 2

England women's under-20s secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup, advancing as Group B runners-up despite a 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their final group fixture at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium.

Lily Dent's first half strike looked to have set the Young Lionesses on course for top spot, but Brazil responded after the break through Clarinha's penalty before Gisele snatched a winner in added time. England's progression was confirmed by a superior team conduct score, edging out Canada, who finished level on both points and goal difference.

Dent Opens Scoring in Impressive Circumstances

England began brightly on the ball, but it was Brazil who carried the greater early threat. Lucy Newell – a late replacement for Cecily Wellesley-Smith – produced a brilliantly timed tackle to dispossess Brendha on the edge of the box, before Katie Cox was well positioned to deal with Nogueira's effort after the forward had breached England's high defensive line.

The breakthrough arrived on 31 minutes, and it was worth the wait. Rachel Maltby exchanged a swift one-two with Lola Brown before clipping a pinpoint cross to the onrushing Dent, who made no mistake from close range at the back post. Remarkably, the goal came while England were temporarily down to ten players, with Ria Bose receiving treatment on the touchline.

Having broken the deadlock, England grew in confidence. Eleanor Klinger twice went close, first failing to connect with a cross at the back post, then cutting inside to force a save from Eluiza with a shot from inside the box. The Young Lionesses went in at half time with a slender advantage, knowing that maintaining their lead would secure top spot in the group.

Brazil Fight Back After the Break

Brazil pushed for an equaliser after the restart but were initially restricted to long range efforts, with Cox saving comfortably after Brendha fired wide from distance. England, meanwhile, came centimetres from doubling their lead following a scramble in the area, Eluiza just managing to tip the ball away from the line before Maltby could poke it home.

Substitute Evelin looked destined to level just before the hour mark when Zara Shaw went to ground, leaving her space to attempt a delicate finish over Cox, but her effort drifted narrowly wide of the far post.

Brazil's persistence was eventually rewarded on 76 minutes when Clarinha stepped up to convert a penalty with a cool chipped finish into the top right corner. Referee Alyssa Pennington had initially waved away protests, but following a VAR review, it was adjudged that Chloe B. Hylton had tripped Brendha inside the area.

Gisele Seals It Late for Brazil

Brazil then claimed the winner in added time as Gisele exchanged a one-two with Evelin down the left wing before embarking on a brilliant solo run and slotting home from a tight angle.

England's response was measured, and Cox proved equal to a long-range effort from Gisele moments later, ensuring the deficit remained at a single goal – a significant save as it kept the margin sufficient to keep Lydia Bedford's side second in the group on team conduct.

England Under-20s: Katie Cox, Ria Bose, Zara Shaw, Lucy Newell, Chloe Sarwie, Lily Dent (sub Layla Drury 71mins), May Cruft (sub Chloe B Hylton 61mins), Lola Brown (sub Vera Jones 71mins), Eleanor Klinger, Princess Ademiluyi, Rachel Maltby. Subs not used: Kaiya Jota, Eve Annets, Vivienne Lia, Eva Hendle, Jessie Gale, Sacha Lewis.  

Brazil Under-20s: Eluiza, Sofia Couto, Ana Beatriz, Bianca Martins (sub Thaynara Cristina 63mins), Emily Lucas (sub Kaylane Vieira 45mins), Clarinha, Nogueira (sub Vitorinho 45mins), Aninha Regio, Dudinha (sub Gisele 81mins), Brendha, Giovana Canali (sub Evelin Bonifácio 45mins). Subs not used: Thaís Lima, Dulce Maria, Carioca, Taina, Ana Morganti.