• England 2-1 Brazil

Cahill: Thanks for bailout Lamps

Frank Lampard's reaction strike won the game for England © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Hodgson urges Lampard to remain in Europe
  
• News: Hodgson hails Wilshere and Walcott
  
• News: Superb England stun Brazil
  
• Profile: Frank Lampard

England defender Gary Cahill was thankful Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard came to the rescue after his mistake nearly cost England its famous 2-1 victory over Brazil at Wembley.

England were 1-0 up courtesy of a Wayne Rooney goal and heading for glory when a nonchalant Cahill attempted to dribble the ball out of his own penalty area.

The Brazil forwards pounced on the casual 27-year-old, robbing the ball and sending Fred through on goal to equalise past Joe Hart.

However, Lampard stole the show with a 60th minute winner, handing the Three Lions the perfect tonic heading into the next World Cup qualifying phase and saving Cahill's blushes along the way.

"I thought I played well overall but if you make a mistake like that it's going to be costly," Cahill lamented. "(But) that's the nature of my position. Thankfully Frank scored so it didn't spoil the lads' night. It did spoil my night slightly though.''

Despite the glaring blunder, Cahill refused to punish himself too harshly, already looking to the future and the positivity of lessons learnt.

"It was out of character from myself, but I will learn from it and that's great," Cahill said. "I showed character to bounce back from it and the team showed character to forget about it and carry on."

England's victory is only the fourth time the home-side has beaten Brazil, a side heavily favoured to feature long into the tournament when the Samba nation host next year's showpiece event. And with England sitting second in its World Cup qualifying group, two points behind Montenegro, Cahill was quick to identify this victory as the possible launch-pad for England to secure its place at Brazil 2014.

"It's fantastic. They are a difficult outfit to play against, but I thought we were dangerous, particularly in the second half, and I thought the result was deserved," Cahill said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.