Five-time world champions Brazil demonstrated their class with a composed victory over England in an international friendly in Doha.

Nilmar grabbed the only goal of the game early in the second half and Brazil could even afford to miss a penalty against a second-string England side.

Fabio Capello's squad had already been decimated by the absence of David James, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott and Emile Heskey.

But Capello was forced to further reorganise when skipper John Terry lost his battle to recover from an Achilles problem and midfielder Michael Carrick was ruled out with an ankle injury.

It meant Wayne Rooney was handed the captain's armband for the first time and the Manchester United striker and Gareth Barry were the only first-choice players in the starting XI, in contrast to Brazil who were virtually at full strength.

Players from both teams paid their respects to German goalkeeper Robert Enke, who died earlier this week at the age of 32, before kick-off during a period of silence.

England began promisingly and a low cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips just eluded the run of Rooney into the Brazilian box, but Dunga's side were soon in control and knocking the ball around in confident style.

A mistake by Matthew Upson allowed Nilmar to cut in unopposed from the left flank but his low centre was intercepted by Wayne Bridge.

Kaka showed his class and determination in shaking off challenges from Barry and Jermaine Jenas before attempting to release Fabiano but Bridge was alert to the situation.

Felipe Melo got the better of a tussle with Matthew Upson but overran the ball and goalkeeper Ben Foster was able to hack clear, albeit in unconvincing fashion.

Kaka was pulling the strings and the Real Madrid star picked out the overlapping Michel Bastos whose cross-cum-shot fizzed just past Foster's left hand post.

Melo then showed neat skill to create space for himself on the edge of the box but his shot sailed straight at Foster.

Kaka forced Foster to save away to his left with an angled drive after linking up well again with Fabiano as the half ended goalless.

But it needed only 90 seconds of the second half for Brazil to break the deadlock through Nilmar.

Elano's dipping cross picked out the run of Nilmar, who got in between Joleon Lescott and Upson before arrowing his header past the dive of Foster into the corner of the net.

Sunderland's Darren Bent had little opportunity to impress before he was substituted after 54 minutes and replaced by Jermain Defoe.

A minute later Brazil had a golden chance to double their lead when goalscorer Nilmar was brought down in the area by Foster after Wes Brown had attempted to chest the ball back to him.

Foster was shown a yellow card but England were given a reprieve when Fabiano sent his spot-kick high over the crossbar.

There was little to enthuse about in a low-key finale to the game as both teams made several substitutions, although Lucio crashed a shot against the post.