SOUL OF SPORT: Brazil fans bring carnival atmosphere to Wembley as yellow and green takes over the home of football - while Samba stars delight in blue to beat England... ANDY HOOPER was in attendance under the famous arch

By Andy Hooper 07:00 25 Mar 2024, updated 07:00 25 Mar 2024

  • England fans flocked to Wembley for their first friendly game of 2024 when they welcomed Brazil on Saturday
  • Mail Sport photographer Andy Hooper was there to capture the energy around the iconic stadium in London
  • England's Euro 2004 team was incredible on paper but they didn't win. Can this crop do it this summer? Listen to the It's All Kicking Off podcast

Welcome back to Soul of Sport, Mail Sport's photographic look at the best action across the sporting world. 

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For our latest episode, our man ANDY HOOPER captured the atmosphere around Wembley, as England played their first game of 2024 at home to Brazil on Saturday evening. 

Visiting fans brought the carnival atmosphere to North-West London, with their yellow and green colours bringing a beautiful contrast to the home of football, as their country prepares for the Copa America.

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But there were also home fans out in numbers - many in their England shirts - eager to see Gareth Southgate and the team ahead of the European Championships this summer. 

While 17-year-old Endrick scored the game's only goal in the second half for the visitors, our man Hooper was there to capture the magic outside Wembley in the build-up, as well as some of the moments on the hallowed turf. He captured all the emotion, drama and colour of Saturday. 

 
Thousands flocked from Wembley Park Underground Station down to the iconic stadium in the hours before kick-off
There were multiple places to buy your England souvenirs including flags and scarves ahead of the 7pm start time in London
Following the week's lengthy discourse about the new England shirt, many older designs were on display on Saturday
Fans at Wembley showed patriotic tattoos, as well as their love of the England team with team jerseys and scarves
Fans caught in the reflection of a rain puddle, but while there was some precipitation, it mostly remained dry for attendees
Young fans placed themselves strategically on street furniture to be in the right place for photographs, or to find loved ones
Energetic young fans were able to show off their love for the England team ahead of kick-off in sight of the iconic ground
Young fans were able to show their love of England - or take a matchday souvenir home with a divisive half-and-half scarf
Inside the stadium, young fans continued to be patriotic, and show their support for the England team during the fixture
Brazil fans were also in attendance, with one standing outside Wembley Stadium showing off his Ronaldo shirt in the sunshine
Despite being vastly outnumbered by the England fans, the visitors were keen to make themselves recognised before kick-off
Brazilian fans also had a strong face-paint game, decked out with the green, yellow and blue of their national flag
Many fans of the Brazilian national team wore yellow, although the players wore their blue away kit for the match
The presence of Brazilian's vibrant supporters could not be missed either before kick-off or during the game from the stands
Brazilian fans could not stop smiling during the friendly fixture, even when they did not have everything going their way
Some of their smiles were boosted by the presence of masks, but others around them were just naturally happy
The dedication of football fans to wear their national colours - in whatever way they choose to do it - cannot be denied
Directly outside Wembley Stadium, fans flocked to take pictures with the Bobby Moore statue as a memento of their trip
A claret and blue scarf was left beneath the Bobby Moore tribute, to honour his days as a West Ham player and England icon
Before the match, soldiers waited to bring out the flags, for the display on the pitch for the national anthems of both sides
England's Three Lions mascots were on hand to help brighten the spirits of young fans in the stadium on Saturday evening
Both teams frustrated each other during the game, with neither side able to capitalise on their chances in the capital
Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, who plays for Athletico Paranaense, was called upon in the match to deny England several times
Manchester City's John Stones was among those showing their talents ahead of this summer's European Championships
Ben Chilwell played the opening 67 minutes of the friendly against Brazil, before being replaced by Joe Gomez
Anthony Gordon made his England debut starting against Brazil, and had four shots during his 75 minutes on the pitch
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham returned to England to feature in Gareth Southgate's midfield from the start of the game
The Brazilian defence did a good job of bullying Bellingham out of the game, and denying him an opportunity to shine
However, Danilo and Fabricio Bruno were on hand to help Bellingham out when he suffered cramp during the latter stages
Some fans decided to fly paper airplanes during the game, with one pictured going close to Newcastle star Gordon
The visitors celebrated their narrow victory at the whistle, with Lucas Beraldo kissing his defensive partner Bruno on the head
Gareth Southgate Brazil Brazil Football