Cold comfort for England

Brazil manager impressed by 'icy' opponents

LONDON - Tite came through his first European test as Brazil coach and was surprised at the resilience of an inexperienced England side.

"They were like ice," Tite said after Brazil was held 0-0 at Wembley on Tuesday. "They were really cold and never lost their minds."

England had also stayed cool on Friday against another of the world's leading teams when Germany was held to a scoreless draw in north London.

"We won't face a more difficult test than in the last two matches," England coach Gareth Southgate said.

"I'm probably more proud tonight because we played the best team in the world with a full team out. We've come out with a really credible result."

In a friendly of few chances in front of around 85,000 fans, either side could have earned victory in the final 15 minutes.

A long-range strike from Fernandinho shaved the post and Neymar fed Paulinho, who was denied at the near post by England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Young Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke, making his England debut, then passed up a great opportunity in the closing stages when he failed to control an Ashley Young's cross, enabling goalkeeper Ramses Becker to collect.

"We were playing the best team in the world at the moment. I thought they were brilliant," Hart said.

"They made it really hard for us and we had to adapt on the pitch ... the defensive backline were absolutely phenomenal tonight."

Southgate added: "Tonight we looked anxious with the ball, and I think that is a consequence of the threat from Brazil."

Brazil has only conceded five goals in its past 17 games and beat Japan 3-1 before traveling to London.

"Against Japan we tested ourselves against a more mobile and skilled team, against England we tested ourselves against a team of strong and tall players, very solid," said Tite, who was hired in June 2016. "This will help in preparations."