Brazil were defeated 2-1 by France in a friendly match before the 2026 World Cup, with Chelsea star Estevao Willian not part of the squad.
Estevao was not called up by Carlo Ancelotti due to his recent injury woes. The youngster only just returned off the bench in Chelsea’s last game against Brazil.
If he is fit, it feels a certainty that the winger will be a part of the squad at the World Cup in North America. Estevao has reportedly secured his place in the 26-man squad.
QUARTER-FINAL 1: Liam Rosenior vs Frank Lampard
Estevao’s World Cup hopes improve as Brazil attackers falter vs France
Ancelotti named Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli in his front four, however none of them contributed to a goal in their defeat.
Even after France went down to 10 men, Brazil’s starting attackers couldn’t make a difference, only making things easier for Estevao this summer when it comes to nailing down a starting place.
Brazil v Tunisia - International Friendly
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
He is facing serious competition. Both Raphinha and Vinicius are considered two of the best wingers in world football.
With that said, it is the Chelsea man who has delivered more often on the big stage over the last 12 months. He has five goals in 11 appearances for his country.
Brazil are a nation who have relied on generational players. Whether that be Pele, Ronaldo or Neymar. They need someone new to step up, and that could well be Estevao.
How many points will we pick up here?
And will it be enough to save Liam Rosenior’s job?
Estevao’s Chelsea teammates in action during France vs Chelsea
While Estevao didn’t feature, Andrey Santos did start in the heart of midfield for Brazil, playing alongside Casemiro.
Joao Pedro can count himself unlucky that he didn’t start, and he didn’t have time to have an impact on proceedings after his second half introduction.
The highlight Chelsea player was Malo Gusto, who did start the game at right-back for France.
Up against Vinicius, the Blues star won that battle, and did his own hopes of regular minutes at the World Cup no harm at all.
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