CHILD’S PLAY
Young Lions top of the world
ENGLAND Under-17s were crowned world champions yesterday after a fantastic fightback blew Spain away.
Phil Foden scored twice and Rhian Brewster notched his eighth goal of the tournament as the Young Lions roared to a 5-2 win over Spain in the final in Kolkata.
It was a sensational turnaround for Steve Cooper’s side, who trailed 2-0 after a little more than half an hour.
But they showed endless reserves of energy and skill as they matched England’s World Cup-winning Under-20s in style, to avenge their defeat by their Spanish opponents in the European Championship final in May.
England have been the dominant force in age-group football in 2017 and in Manchester City playmaker Foden and Liverpool forward Brewster they have two prized talents.
Brewster’s header just before half-time gave CRAIG JONES
England Under-17s 5 Spain Under-17s 2
England hope and after Morgan Gibbs-White grabbed the equaliser in the 58th minute it was one-way traffic.
Foden then produced a pair of smart finishes either side of a Marc Guehi effort.
Huge credit must also go to Chelsea prospect Callum Hudson-Odoi and Steven Sessegnon, whose crossing was essential to the comeback at the sold-out Salt Lake Stadium.
The game started at a breathless pace, Brewster and Gibbs-White combining for the first chance after just 47 seconds, while Spain went ahead inside 10 minutes with Sergio Gomez touching home from close range.
Spain then came desperately close to doubling their lead after Jonathan Panzo’s forward run left his side exposed.
Moha raced into space but a heavy touch by the midfielder allowed goalkeeper Curtis Anderson to dive at his feet.
There was no let-off for England next time, though, as Cesar picked out Gomez and the striker hooked a great effort into the corner.
It looked bleak for the Young Lions but they hit back just before the break, Brewster scoring with a powerful downward header.
And in the 58th minute England were level, Gibbs-White clipping home from six yards from Sessegnon’s perfect cross.
They were ahead for the first time 11 minutes later, Hudson-Odoi sliding the ball into Foden’s path at the far post, where he never looked likely to miss.
Guehi made it 4-2, poking home in the 84th minute after Panzo kept the ball alive.
And it was fitting that Foden – Golden Ball winner as player of the tournament – had the final say, rifling home powerfully to complete a remarkable comeback.