FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017: England brace for Chile test
Iraq qualified after winning the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship. Forward Mohammed Dawood is their key player.
Kolkata: Formidable England take on unpredictable Chile in a U-17 World Cup Group F match at the refurbished Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday.
The group also has two-time champions Mexico and Iraq.
Steve Cooper’s England beat New Zealand 3-2 in a warm-up match in Mumbai and will look for a strong start against the South Americans, who are struggling to cope with the heat and humidity of Kolkata.
England boast of a strong squad, including Manchester United prodigy Angel Gomes and Jadon Sancho. Sancho moved from Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund for 8 million euros.
He along with Phil Foden are billed as the next big stars and it remains to be seen how the Chilean defence contain the English trio.
An attacking midfielder, Gomes has already set a milestone in the Premier League, making his debut at 16.
He became the first Premier League player to be born in the 2000s when he replaced Wayne Rooney in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the 2016 season.
Chile, who hosted the 2015 edition of the tournament, qualified after finishing runners-up to Brazil in the South American championship.
Chile’s best finish was third in their maiden appearance in 1993.
Mexico face Iraq
Two-time champions Mexico face Asian champions Iraq in their group opener. Mexico have been one of the most consistent sides in the tournament in recent years, having won the title twice (2005, 2011), been runners-up in 2013 and semi-finalists in 2015.
Iraq qualified after winning the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship. Forward Mohammed Dawood is their key player.