Kolkata: A near capacity crowd at the Salt Lake Stadium witnessed a clinical performance from the England U’17 team as they thrashed Chile 4-0 in their Group F opener at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. The star performer for the England Lions juniors was none other than Jadon Sancho. Sancho not only scored a brace but showed why Borussia Dortmund thinks so highly of this wide left.
He scored a brace inside nine minutes, the 51st and the 60th, to seal the fate of the match. Sanchi also played a part in his team’s first goal. A brilliant pass from Sancho paved the way for Callum Hudson to give England the lead in the 5th minute of the match. It was all Sancho as he mesmerized the Chilean defence with his moves. The ovation he got when he was substituted in the 76th minute would be ringing in his ears for long.
The fourth goal for England was scored by substitute Angel Gomes. The attacking medio of Manchester United put his name on the score sheet with a brilliant freekick outside the box in the 81st minute.
Sancho helped England impose themselves in the first half to the point that Chile found all avenues blocked. And he capped off a good evening by making the best use of a gift by Chile goalie Julio Borquez, who was adjudged the best shot-stopper in the South American under-17 championships.
Chile was reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Borquez made a dangerous foul against Brewster. The referee immediately flashed a Red Card at him.
The win will no doubt give confidence to Steve Cooper as England will be aiming to lift its maiden title in FIFA U’17 World Cup.