Solanke seals semi-final spot
TEN-MAN England reached the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Cup for the first time in 24 years following a 1-0 win over Mexico in Cheonan, South Korea.
Liverpool-bound striker Dominic Solanke scored the winner just after half-time.
Tottenham’s Josh Onomah was sent off in bizarre circumstances in the 73rd minute but England held on and will meet Italy on Thursday for a place in the final.
Paul Simpson’s side started brightly with Everton’s Ademola Lookman and Adam Armstrong of Newcastle spurning chances in the first 15 minutes.
Mexico captain Alan Cervantes struck a 20-yard free-kick wide as neither side could break the deadlock in a tight opening 45 minutes.
But two minutes after the break, Solanke put the Young Lions ahead with a composed leftfooted strike after being played through by captain Lewis Cook.
Everton’s Kieran Dowell was inches away from a second moments later, with Onomah then curling an effort on to a post. But Onomah received a harsh second yellow after he accidentally stepped on Juan Aguayo’s heel while dribbling past the left-back, but England survived.
Italy also had a player sent off before claiming their last-four spot after extra-time with a 3-2 win over Zambia. Giuseppe Pezzella saw red in the first half of normal time.