ENGLAND, MEXICO GIVE THUMBS UP TO U-17 CUP VENUE

Kolkata: England, Mexico and Chile have expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the Salt Lake Stadium here, which will host their Fifa Under-17 World Cup Group F matches. Representatives of the teams, including Iraq, inspected the ground, hotel and training facilities, during their first visit to the city on Sunday ahead of the October 6 to 28 tournament. England head coach Steve Cooper said they were looking forward to check-in earlier than Fifa’s schedule in October first week. “First impression is very good. We are absolutely delighted to get our draw here in Kolkata. We have no complaints,” Cooper said. Twice champions Mexico interim coach Etchverria Perez Enrique termed the gigantic Salt Lake Stadium as “state-of-the-art”. “We have seen the field and the stadium facilities. It’s state of the art work. The pitch is of first level,” Enrique said. Chilie coach Hernan Caputto said he is aware of the city’s history as a football hub. “I love Kolkata’s history.We hope to have some great matches here.” Kolkata will stage five Group F matches beginning October 8, with Chile clash against England.