THE ENGLAND captain, John Terry, scored the first international goal at the new Wembley Stadium as England drew 1-1 with Brazil.

Ironically it was the was recently reinstated David Beckham, the former captain, playing in his 95th international, who delivered a typically clinical and perfectly weighted free kick for Terry to latch on to as he towered above the Brazilian defence in the 67th minute and put his side in the lead.

But McClaren's side, desperately seeking a win before their crucial Euro 2008 qualifier clash with Estonia, saw victory snatched from their grasp as Diego scored after a well-timed run in the second minute of stoppage time.

But the new stadium was alive to the sound of samba at the first international in almost seven years at the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium.

England started brightly, with new cap Shorey playing left back proving an adequate replacement for Ashley Cole. But there were only two highlights in the first half, as Beckham and Ronaldinho battled it out, both flashing free kicks past their oppositions' goalmouths from prime scoring positions.

Brazil also had a goal disallowed after it was ruled that Gilberto was offside as he headed the ball back across the face of goal into the net in the first half.

Robinho was the most influential Brazilian player of the first half, Kaka was unusually quiet, but the ever-smiling Ronaldinho looked dangerous, his lightning-quick feet flummoxing Jamie Carragher on more than one occasion.

The second half started with both sides romping from end to end and, in the 52nd minute, Kaka made half a yard of space from which to fire a right-footed drive past the upright.

Then came a brief period of sustained English pressure. In the 56th minute, a Beckham free kick slotted in from the right hand side, allowing Owen to glance a header on to the roof of the goal.

Then, in the 59th minute, a rash challenge by Carragher as Brazil displayed typical smooth close-quarter interplay, resulted in a free kick. Ronaldinho stepped up to strike the ball and drove his effort into a solid England wall for a corner.

A counter attack looked promising until Owen stumbled. In the 61st minute, Kieron Dyer and Stuart Downing came on for Joe Cole and Alan Smith respectively. Downing made an immediate impact, rifling a drive at Helton and forcing him to tip the ball over his bar.

Terry and King looked solid in defence and there was a renewed vigour that undoubtedly had a lot to do with Beckham being back in the side - his experience, discipline and talent were a welcome sight and Steve McClaren must be hopeful that his return will end the nation's recent barren spell.

The debate over Lampard and Gerrard playing in the midfield is one that some may argue needs to be resolved, as does the question of who will play up front on Wednesday night in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney.

But the more than 88,000 fans at the game have much to be hopeful for after this evening's performance.