SANCHO BRACE HAS YOUNG LIONS OFF TO FLIER
ENGLAND made the perfect start to the Under 17 World Cup with an easy win over Chile in Kolkata. After a summer of success in the younger grades — including winning the Under 20 World Cup and reaching the Euro Under 21 semi-finals — England are seeking more of the same in India. Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho scored twice after Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi had given them the lead inside five minutes in driving rain. Chile had goalkeeper Julio Borquez sent off with 12 minutes to play for cynically bringing down striker Rhian Brewster. From the resulting free-kick, Manchester United prodigy Angel Gomes curled a perfect shot into the top corner. Chile were runners-up to Brazil in the South American U17s but had no answers to an impressive England. Playmaker Phil Foden, the
Manchester City starlet highly rated by Pep Guardiola, dictated the tempo of the game. He impressed former England manager and Mail on Sunday columnist Glenn Hoddle, who tweeted his appreciation (left). It was Sancho who got England going, though, playing a clever reverse pass for Hudson-Odoi who slipped the ball in at the far post. The former Manchester City youngster bagged his first goal by tapping into an empty net after an error by Borquez. He then made it 3-0 by passing into the back of the net following good work by midfielder George McEachran. Manager Steve Cooper brought on Gomes, whose free-kick rounded off a dream start. England face Mexico on Wednesday before rounding off their Group F matches against Iraq on Saturday.