‘Improved England not favourites’

Kolkata: Beating might Brazil did not make them favourites, but made them ready to face Spain in the Under-17 World Cup final, England coach Steve Cooper said on Friday.

He though is flattered that his side are being favored to lift the title here on Saturday.

England beat Brazil 3-1 in the semis while Spain conquered Mali by a similar scoreline.

Spain defeated England on penalties in the Under-17 Euros final in May.

“We will never class ourselves as favourites. We want to be humble and respectful of all our opponents,” Cooper said at Salt Lake Stadium.

“It is flattering to dub us as favourites. But the last time we played Spain, we didn’t win. We believe in ourselves. They are fitting World Cup finalists. They are a very good team, from back to front.

“We know where their strengths lie and we also know what we can exploit. We know all about them and they know all about us. We are confident in all departments,” he added.

England’s high intensity attacking style has garnered praise during the tournament. They are the tournament’s leading scorers with 18 goals.

“The way we have played here is the way we want to play. We have some very good technical footballers. And I am pleased or brand of play has been recognised,” he said.

Spain coach Santiago Denia also acknowledged England’s improvement since beating them in the U-17 Euros final.

“I believe England have improved in every aspect of the game. Defensively they are much better. In the offence, they are much better than how they were during the Under-17 Euros,” Denia said.

His boys are motivated to win the trophy but are under no pressure, he claimed.

“It is a big chance for us. We have worked for two years, aiming for this moment. We have not won the tournament earlier. We are working to find the answers about the best way to play the game and beat England.”