Wilshere Shines As England Defeat Brazil

Frank Lampard's 60th minute goal helped England claim their first win over Brazil in 23 years after a thrilling performance at Wembley.

Joe Hart saved Ronaldinho's early penalty after Jack Wilshere's handball, and England's good fortune sparked them into life as Wayne Rooney put the hosts ahead, reacting first after Julio Cesar had saved from Theo Walcott.

The hosts' slick passing game was undone after the break after Gary Cahill overran the ball outside the penalty area, allowing substitute Fred to hammer past Hart to equalise for Luiz Felipe Scolari's beleaguered side.

The Fluminense forward struck the bar a minute later before England hit the front on the hour as Rooney turned provider, teeing up Lampard, whose cushioned half-volley evaded Cesar, rebounding off the post, to help Roy Hodgson's side begin The Football Association's 150th anniversary celebrations in style.

Amid the verve of England's performance, Jack Wilshere excelled in a free role in midfield and while Hodgson had been cautious about putting pressure on the Arsenal youngster, after the match he admitted the 20 year old had lived up to expectations.

"I tried to protect him a little from the media in the build-up but he doesn't need it," he said.

"It looks like you can crank the expectations up as much as you like and he's quite comfortable with it."

Hodgson said he believed that after seeing Wilshiere's performance, he wasn't so concerned about the pressure placed on the midfielder, explaining: "As long as he is comfortable with the expectations, why should I worry?

"To be frank, if Jack Wilshere keeps up that level of performance he will soon justify all the expectations. He was very, very good as was Theo Walcott, who terrorised the left side of their defence."

The win will no doubt improve England's confidence ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro and swell expectations ahead of the 2014 tournament in Brazil with Hodgson's side seeking to make amends for a series of disappointing performances in major competition.