Fifa Under-17 World Cup: Mexico stand in England’s way

Kolkata: Fresh from a rousing start to their campaign, England’s firepower will be tested by two-time former champions Mexico in a mouth-watering Group F contest of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup here on Wednesday.

England asserted their supremacy in the group with a 4-0 rout of Chile and another similar result will certainly seal their pre-quarter-final berth.

But ‘El Tri’ will be no pushovers and Mario Arteaga’s outfit are bidding for their first win in this edition after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Iraq.

Having won two titles since the turn of the century, Mexico are one of the most consistent sides of the tournament.

England’s Jadon Sancho, who rejected a staggering £30,000 a week offer from Manchester City to join Borussia Dortmund last week in a projected £10 million deal, showed why he’s in demand.

The Dortmund forward struck twice taking over after Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi gave England the lead inside five minutes with Sancho making the assist.

Iraq eye first win 
After holding Mexico to a 1-1 draw, a buoyant Iraq will look for a win against a demoralised Chile in their second Group F match here.

Iraq secured their first ever point at the U-17 World Cup with a spirited draw against heavyweights Mexico and will look to continue the momentum against Chile, routed 0-4 by England.

Full of pace and seemingly endless stamina, Mohammed Dawood spearheaded the Iraqi counter-attacking game plan to perfection, and found himself in front of goal on more than one occasion.

Chile would have to get their act together or face an exit. It will be important for them to stop Dawood’s incisive runs but their ace goalkeeper Julio Borquez will be missed as he was red-carded against England.

In the absence of Borquez, who was adjudged best goalkeeper in the South American U-17 championship, Chile will have to pick between Rodrigo Cancino and Hugo Araya.