FIFA U17 World Cup: Young Lions book a berth in the Knock Out stages

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England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach the knock-out stages of the FIFA U17 World Cup. Image Source: twitter

Kolkata:  England U17’s booked a place in the Knock Out stages of the FIFA U17 World Cup today here at the Salt Lake Stadium with a 3-2 win over Mexico. Rhian Brewster, Philip Foden and Jadon Sancho scored for the Young Lions while Mexico’s Diego Lainez found the net twice in the second half.

Steve Cooper’s side dominated the proceedings in the first half as they lead 1-0 during half time. Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster curled home a free-kick from 35 yards to give them the lead before Manchester City young star Philip Foden slammed home left-footed for the second just moments into the second half.

Crowd favourite Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund extended the lead for his side in the 55th minute from a spot kick.

As it looked Young Lions will take away the game comfortably, the Central American outfit made a spirited comeback. Mexican Messi Diego Lainez pulled one back just after the hour mark before he found the net again, via a deflection, shortly after. Mario Arteaga’s side pressed hard to get the equaliser but luck did not have their way. They came tantalisingly close on several occasions towards the dying minutes of the match but without any success.

Despite the nervy ending, Cooper’s men held on to win 3-2 and secure a top two spot in the group. The Young Lines can secure a first-place finish when they take on Iraq this Saturday.