Sancho scores brace as England rout Chile
Kolkata, Oct. 8: A star-studded England lived up to their billing as star winger Jadon Sancho scored twice in a 4-0 rout of Chile in a highly-entertaining group match of the U-17 World Cup here on Sunday.
England, the European qualifying tournament runners-up, toyed with their South American rivals with 64 per cent ball possession and Chile were at the mercy of the rampaging Young Lions forwards several times.
England had as many as 21 shots at the goal out of which nine were on target as the Group F match gradually turned into a onesided one.
Sancho struck in the 51st and 60th minutes, while Callum Hudson Odoi (5th) and Angel Gomes (81st) were the other scorers.
Chile, the South American runners-up and who were having acclimatisation issues here, looked clueless and failed to counter the wave of English attacks. They had just four attempts at the England goal, all of them off target.
To make matters worse for Chile, who had watched blockbuster Bollywood movie Chak De! India as part of their build-up, they were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when goalkeeper Julio Borquez was shown a straight red card for a harsh foul on an opposition player.
For the sizeable crowd at the brand new Salt Lake Stadium, it was a treat to watch a quality England team scoring goals at will.
England coach Steve Cooper did not start with Manchester United’s Angel Gomes but still completely dominated the first half with overwhelming 70 per cent possession.
Sancho showed his class with his deft footwork. He and striker Rhian Brewster were a constant threat for Chile from the left side.
South American champions Mexico were held to a 11 draw by Iraq in their opening match here.
The Asian champions Iraq took a surprise lead in the 16th minute through a goal by Mohammed Dawood before Roberto de la Rosa equalised in the 61st minute for Spain as both teams collected one point each from the Group F match.