Esme Morgan wants England to work on ‘stronger starts’ after Brazil defeat

Defender Esme Morgan insists England will get better at starting games.

The Lionesses paid the price for a poor opening as they were beaten 2-1 by Brazil on Saturday in their first match since their Euro 2025 triumph.

Sarina Wiegman’s side conceded twice in the opening 18 minutes at the Etihad Stadium and could only manage a Georgia Stanway penalty in reply despite playing against 10 players for 69 minutes.

Slow starts were a recurring problem over the summer, although they repeatedly and memorably battled back to successfully defend their European Championship title in Switzerland.

Centre-back Morgan said: “We spoke about wanting to start quickly.

“The game was end to end, like basketball at first because of the style of play. Both sides were aggressive. It was very back and forth. Unfortunately they were more clinical.

“It is something we are working on. We don’t want to keep having to come from behind. We know we are capable of it, obviously, but here we didn’t manage it. We will keep trying, we will get there.”

In what was a feisty friendly against an aggressive Brazil side, England were stung by early goals from Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha.

The game changed after Brazil captain Angelino was sent off for hauling down Ella Toone on 21 minutes.

The Lionesses dominated the remainder of the contest but Stanway’s 52nd-minute spot-kick, after a foul on Beth Mead, was their only successful effort on goal.

Alex Greenwood and Stanway both hit the goal frame among a plethora of chances.

Morgan said: “It is frustrating to lose and obviously there is plenty to improve on – little moments in the first half where we gave it away and were punished.

“On the flipside, the second half. We kept going and kept knocking on the door. We had opportunities.

“I suppose it is just being more clinical in the final third. We got into those areas a few times and maybe just let them off the hook a bit.”

Defeat made it a bittersweet occasion for Morgan, who now plays for Washington Spirit but grew up as Manchester City fan and began her career with the club.

The 25-year-old said: “I probably don’t appreciate it at this moment because I would have liked to have won but seeing my family in the crowd was really special.

“It was a full circle moment for them, given they brought me here when I was three and now I’m on the pitch. That was really special.”