England were unlucky to win last night as the world's two biggest football nations came head-to-head in the world's most expensive sporting arena.
Former England captain Beckham whipped in a free kick into the Brazilian penalty area allowing current captain John Terry to head in a goal from close range.
England remained 1-0 up after the 90 minutes were over and 2 and a half minutes into injury time - it was looking like England's first game at the new Wembley Stadium was going to be an amazing win against probably the best team in the world. But, cruelly, with around just 30 seconds of added time remaining Brazil equalised.
Considering the calibre of the opposition - not the world champions but still the best team in the world who have won the World Cup a record 5 times - it was a good performance by England.
And, despite being only an end of season friendly game, a massive 88,745 people turned out to watch the game. What other country in Europe would that many people turn out for an end of season friendly?
All yours, Skip - Becks lays on Terry goal but Brazil spoil Wembley party
2nd June 2007
Daily Mail
Friendly International, Wembley
England 1-1 Brazil
Terry 68......Diego 90 (+3)
David Beckham spectacularly set up John Terry for England's first goal at the new Wembley only for Brazil to deny them a famous victory in added time.
But on a night when English football returned to its spiritual home, one of its favourite sons lit up the night and proved he still has much to offer his country and coach Steve McClaren, who had jettisoned him last summer.
Captain fantastic: England skipper Terry celebrates his goal, laid on by Beckham
Beckham seemed to have played a huge role in setting up a muchneeded victory for under-pressure McClaren as he crossed for skipper John Terry to head home at the far post in the 68th minute.
But, after receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted with 14 minutes left, Beckham had to watch as Brazilian replacement Diego headed home a 93rd-minute cross from Gilberto Silva.
England fly to Estonia on Monday for a vital European Championship qualifier two days later and McClaren and his team at least have something to cling on to as they try to make up lost ground in Group E, with Beckham's return catching the eye of his new captain.
Terry said: "David was different class today, his delivery is superb. It was a great ball from Becks and it was about time I scored again. We started really well and got a few early tackles in from Stevie ( Gerrard) and Alan Smith which set the tone and we went on from there.
"We had quite a lot of possession; we couldn't get through the middle of them and we tried to move it wide. We did that a bit better in the second half. We needed this game tonight - we feel very sharp and very fit. We'll take this positive result into Wednesday and we have to go there and get the win."
Thanks, pal: coach Steve McClaren congratulates his returning hero after he is substituted
With Beckham's fellow midfielder Frank Lampard disgracefully booed by some England fans when his name was read out before kick-off and England struggling for fluency in a goalless first half, McClaren's team needed something to lift them ahead of Wednesday's make-or-break qualifier.
England won a free-kick on the right touchline and when Beckham floated the ball to the far post Terry drew off the last defender to head the goal back across goalkeeper Helton.
Apart from the Real Madrid midfielder's triumphant return, it was a big night for Michael Owen who played his first senior international since suffering a serious knee injury in last summer's World Cup.
The Newcastle striker had only one clear chance - heading an earlier Beckham free-kick over in the second half - but McClaren finished pleased with his forward and his side.
He said: "We got the performance against a very, very good team, one of the world's top teams.
"To nearly get the clean sheet, 15 seconds away, shows that as a team we defended well. We saw that attitude, passion, tackles going in and we played good football. They came together as a team."
Regarding Beckham's contribution to the goal, McClaren added: "It was fitting. You saw it two or three times and one opportunity went very close thanks to the free-kick. We've worked on that, coming in at the back post, and JT was there.
"I brought him (Beckham) back because he was playing well. When he's playing well, there's no better right-sided player in the world. He showed that here. "The hairs on the back of my neck stood up at the start of the game. We want to make this home a fortress and we've started with a good performance."
England: Robinson, Carragher, King, Terry (Brown 72), Shorey, Beckham (Jenas 77), Gerrard, Lampard (Carrick 88 ), Cole (Downing 62), Smith (Dyer 62), Owen (Crouch 83).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Bridge, Neville, Bentley, Green, Defoe.
Goals: Terry 68.
Brazil: Helton, Daniel (Maicon 65), Naldo, Juan, Gilberto, Ronaldinho, Mineiro (Edmilson 63), Gilberto Silva, Kaka (Alves 71), Robinho (Diego 74), Vagner Love.
Subs Not Used: Doni, Alex Silva, Alex, Marcelo, Josue, Elano, Jo.
Goals: Diego 90 (+3).
Attendance: 88,745
Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).
dailymail.co.uk
Former England captain Beckham whipped in a free kick into the Brazilian penalty area allowing current captain John Terry to head in a goal from close range.
England remained 1-0 up after the 90 minutes were over and 2 and a half minutes into injury time - it was looking like England's first game at the new Wembley Stadium was going to be an amazing win against probably the best team in the world. But, cruelly, with around just 30 seconds of added time remaining Brazil equalised.
Considering the calibre of the opposition - not the world champions but still the best team in the world who have won the World Cup a record 5 times - it was a good performance by England.
And, despite being only an end of season friendly game, a massive 88,745 people turned out to watch the game. What other country in Europe would that many people turn out for an end of season friendly?
All yours, Skip - Becks lays on Terry goal but Brazil spoil Wembley party
2nd June 2007
Daily Mail
Friendly International, Wembley
England 1-1 Brazil
Terry 68......Diego 90 (+3)
David Beckham spectacularly set up John Terry for England's first goal at the new Wembley only for Brazil to deny them a famous victory in added time.
But on a night when English football returned to its spiritual home, one of its favourite sons lit up the night and proved he still has much to offer his country and coach Steve McClaren, who had jettisoned him last summer.
Captain fantastic: England skipper Terry celebrates his goal, laid on by Beckham
Beckham seemed to have played a huge role in setting up a muchneeded victory for under-pressure McClaren as he crossed for skipper John Terry to head home at the far post in the 68th minute.
But, after receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted with 14 minutes left, Beckham had to watch as Brazilian replacement Diego headed home a 93rd-minute cross from Gilberto Silva.
England fly to Estonia on Monday for a vital European Championship qualifier two days later and McClaren and his team at least have something to cling on to as they try to make up lost ground in Group E, with Beckham's return catching the eye of his new captain.
Terry said: "David was different class today, his delivery is superb. It was a great ball from Becks and it was about time I scored again. We started really well and got a few early tackles in from Stevie ( Gerrard) and Alan Smith which set the tone and we went on from there.
"We had quite a lot of possession; we couldn't get through the middle of them and we tried to move it wide. We did that a bit better in the second half. We needed this game tonight - we feel very sharp and very fit. We'll take this positive result into Wednesday and we have to go there and get the win."
Thanks, pal: coach Steve McClaren congratulates his returning hero after he is substituted
With Beckham's fellow midfielder Frank Lampard disgracefully booed by some England fans when his name was read out before kick-off and England struggling for fluency in a goalless first half, McClaren's team needed something to lift them ahead of Wednesday's make-or-break qualifier.
England won a free-kick on the right touchline and when Beckham floated the ball to the far post Terry drew off the last defender to head the goal back across goalkeeper Helton.
Apart from the Real Madrid midfielder's triumphant return, it was a big night for Michael Owen who played his first senior international since suffering a serious knee injury in last summer's World Cup.
The Newcastle striker had only one clear chance - heading an earlier Beckham free-kick over in the second half - but McClaren finished pleased with his forward and his side.
He said: "We got the performance against a very, very good team, one of the world's top teams.
"To nearly get the clean sheet, 15 seconds away, shows that as a team we defended well. We saw that attitude, passion, tackles going in and we played good football. They came together as a team."
Regarding Beckham's contribution to the goal, McClaren added: "It was fitting. You saw it two or three times and one opportunity went very close thanks to the free-kick. We've worked on that, coming in at the back post, and JT was there.
"I brought him (Beckham) back because he was playing well. When he's playing well, there's no better right-sided player in the world. He showed that here. "The hairs on the back of my neck stood up at the start of the game. We want to make this home a fortress and we've started with a good performance."
England: Robinson, Carragher, King, Terry (Brown 72), Shorey, Beckham (Jenas 77), Gerrard, Lampard (Carrick 88 ), Cole (Downing 62), Smith (Dyer 62), Owen (Crouch 83).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Bridge, Neville, Bentley, Green, Defoe.
Goals: Terry 68.
Brazil: Helton, Daniel (Maicon 65), Naldo, Juan, Gilberto, Ronaldinho, Mineiro (Edmilson 63), Gilberto Silva, Kaka (Alves 71), Robinho (Diego 74), Vagner Love.
Subs Not Used: Doni, Alex Silva, Alex, Marcelo, Josue, Elano, Jo.
Goals: Diego 90 (+3).
Attendance: 88,745
Ref: Markus Merk (Germany).
dailymail.co.uk