In line with his policy of hand-picking friendlies against top class opposition, England travelled to Qatar to take on five times world champions Brazil.

For many fans this was a pointless exercise, with the team decimated by the customary injury withdrawals of key players – Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry to name a few. However, for Fabio Capello this presented a good opportunity for some of the fringe players to force their way into the Italian’s thinking for the 2010 World Cup squad. No doubt there are a number of players almost certainties to be on the plane to South Africa next summer fitness permitting, but with several places still up for grabs the friendlies are crucial to England’s preparation. Capello is still seeking the answers to a number of questions. For example, who should be England’s number one? Has David Beckham still got the ability to perform at the highest level? Who should partner Wayne Rooney in attack and does Michael Owen deserve to be recalled from the International wilderness?

With a number of goalkeepers being experimented with of late, it was Ben Foster’s chance to stake his claim for the number one jersey. However, after an extremely poor kicking display and being guilty for bringing down Luis Fabiano for a penalty, David James can surely feel confident his place is safe for now. With David Beckham unavailable due to his commitments with LA Galaxy, England were given a torrid time down their right flank as Wes Brown and Shaun Wright-Phillips did little to enhance their reputations. In stark contrast, on the opposite wing James Milner worked industriously as ever, with his workrate and versatility surely set to go in the youngster’s favour. Darren Bent was given a rare starting berth in attack, but was deprived of service for the most part and his anonymity saw him eventually replaced by the in-form Jermain Defoe.

Although England started the match brightly, once they went behind at the start of the second half they ultimately lost their shape. Seemingly devoid of ideas, they spent much of the game defending in an attempt to achieve damage limitation. Brazil will be disappointed they could not extend their lead beyond a solitary goal, as they hit the woodwork and squandered a penalty. As the game petered out into a lull on the pitch, the crowd were eerily silent.

Plenty to think about for Capello, as his second-choice eleven struggled to make an impact against an undoubtedly gifted Brazilian side.