Kolkata: A star-studded England will begin their campaign against an unpredictable Chile in a group F encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the gigantic Salt Lake stadium here, Sunday.
Placed in one of the toughest groups which include two-time champions Mexico, Chile and Iran, the Steve Cooper-coached England will be looking to have a strong start against the Latin American side, who are facing a difficult time with the searing heat and humidity in the ‘City of Joy’.
On paper, England boast of a strong squad in Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes and Jadon Sancho, who made an Euro eight million move from Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund during the close season. The two along with Phil Foden are billed as the next big stars and it will be exciting to see how the Chilean defence contains the English trio.
On the other hand Chile, who featured in the 2015 edition of the tournament by virtue of being the hosts have qualified for the first time since 1997 after finishing runners-up to Brazil in the South American U-17 Championships.
But then the Hernan Caputo-coached side is struggling with excessive heat and humidity despite having a strong preparation that included taking yoga classes and training in sauna-like conditions.
However, the Chileans boast of a strong defence and it remains to be seen how they hold their fort against a tough English forward line-up. All eyes will be on goalkeeper Julio Borquez who was adjudged best goalkeeper in the South American Championship.
press trust of india
