Margao: England will face USA in a high octane FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinal clash Saturday, aiming to enhance their reputation in this age-group event which they are yet to win despite a strong tradition of qualifying for global finals.
The English lions who had a fairytale run, have won all their matches so far and will look to take some confidence from the fact that they finally broke the penalty shootout jinx, with goalkeeper Curtis Anderson pulling off some fine saves when the pressure was intense against Japan.
The absence of Jadon Sancho who had to leave after the group stage for his club commitments in Borussia Dortmund though have created a void in the team, England still have enough firepower to go further.
The likes of Angel Gomes, who replaced Sancho in the pre-quarters against Japan, along with Callum-Hudson Odoi and Philip Foden, will need to show more creativity in the midfield if they want to book their place in the semifinals.
The English back four, comprising Timothy Eyoma, Joel Latibeaudiere, Marc Guehi and Jonathan Panzo, will have to be on their toes against the Americans who are known for their quick attacks.
On the other hand, the Americans will be banking on their attacking trio of skipper Josh Sargent, Tim Weah and Ayo Akinola and they are expected to cause problems to the English defence. Weah who scored a hat-trick in the 5-0 drubbing of Paraguay will be high on confidence going into the match.
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