Keating debuts in England’s friendly defeat to Brazil | OneFootball

Khiara Keating made her senior England debut at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening as the Lionesses fell to a narrow 2-1 friendly defeat to Brazil.

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Khiara Keating: Made in Manchester

The Lionesses looked bright in the opening five minutes, but Brazil would be the ones to edge in front.

Beatriz Zaneratto placed a composed finish into the bottom left corner, just out of reach for Keating to deny, on 10 minutes.

After sloppy play in midfield by England, Brazil rushed bodies forward. Maria Eduarda Rodrigues saw her close-range shot hit favourably off the inside of the left post and doubled Brazil’s lead just before the 20-minute mark.

Keating denied Luany moments before Brazil captain Angelina Alonso Costantino was shown a straight red card after she pulled back Ella Toone, who looked set to be through on goal.

Greenwood connected perfectly with the resulting free-kick, with only the crossbar to deny the City captain from halving the deficit.

After a late challenge on Beth Mead, England were awarded a penalty. Former Blue Georgia Stanway converted and was met with a thunderous cheer from a packed Etihad on 51 minutes.

Keating’s distribution was impressive. Accurate even when under pressure, she looked instantly at home representing her nation and put on a performance she should be proud of.

With the assurance of a confident keeper at the back, England’s backline spent more time in Brazil’s half than their own.

Stanway rifled a ranged shot off the crossbar, in what would be her final act in the game, as Wiegman’s side continued to search for an equaliser.

But England couldn’t quite find the all-important second that would have earned a draw in the friendly.

Next, the Lionesses will travel to Pride Park where they face Australia in their second friendly on Tuesday 28 October, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 (UK).