Match report:
Thanks for joining me for a great moment in some young players’ careers. What a day! There’s no doubting the talent in England currently thanks to the efforts of the Under-17’s and the other age groups who have performed so superbly in major tournaments in recent months.
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What a win! A truly special second-half performance from England, as they outclassed Spain. La Rojita looked decent at times, but were overwhelmed by the guile, speed and quality of England.
Full-time: England 5-2 Spain
England have won the World Cup and there’s no doubting they deserved it. It was a poor start at the back but the constant attacking threat from the likes of Foden and Hudson-Odoi meant goals were likely and Spain could not cope with everything Cooper’s side could offer.
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90+2 min: Foden isa now the focus of the Spaniards, who are not pleased with the result.
90+1 min: Brewster is booked after being antagonised by the Spanish team, whjo are obviously frustrated at being beaten.
Mike is back on: “Obviously I know nothing.....Thrilling victory”
Join the club.
90 min: Oakley-Boothe gets to wander off a winner and Gomes comes on.
GOAL! HUDSON-ODOI SENDS THE BALL OVER THE TOP TO FODEN, WHO CONTROLS THE BALL AND RACES ONTO IT AND SENDS THE BALL THROUGH THE GOALKEEPER. ENGLAND HAVE WON THE WORLD CUP!!
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GOAL! England 5-2 Spain (Foden, 88)
FODEN FINISHES IT!
86 min: England have from two goals down and absolutely dominated the second-half from start to finish. Spain haven’t been in it. Cooper subs off McEachran, as Gallagher comes on.
GOAL! Is that the moment? The ball bounces around the box after a free-kick, eventually falling to Guehi who nets from close range.
GOAL! England 4-2 Spain (Guehi 84)
The centre-back pokes the ball home.
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Michael points out: “Foden gets plaudits for running games but it’s goals that win them - if Eng hold on then Rhian gets the Golden Ball/Boot.”
83 min: Hudson-Odoi is fouled by Jaume after the Spain defender grabs hold of the winger. The defender is rightly booked.
81 min: Nya Kirby comes on for Gibbs-White, while Blanco comes off for Spain, as Beitia comes on.
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80 min: Ruiz final gets a chance to show what he can do, as he pushes his way through the England defence before firing over.
80 min: The Spain coach is looking at his bench for inspiration, so we can expect to see another change son. Will England swap things around?
David says: “Foden does go down a bit easily though, doesn’t he. Even the Spanish defenders were pointing it out in the first half (and one trod on his back after a dive as discouragement).”
I think we can get over it personally. They are kicking him a bit, to be fair.
78 min: Liquid refreshment for all and we’re playing again. Can England hold on?
77 min: There’s a lot of tired players out there right now, which isn’t much of a surprise due to the age of the players and the conditions in India. So it’s time for a drinks break.
75 min: Foden and Gibbs-White combine down the right, with the ball eventually landing on the left foot of the City man, but his low drive doesn’t test the goalkeeper.
73 min: Sessegnon gets himself in the right position to ensure Spain don’t get the ball over the line. Great stuff from the Fulham man.
73 min: Torres sends in a cross, England fail to clear, allowing Miranda to get the ball and fire in a shot, which was deflected wide.
72 min: Sub for Spain as Lara comes on Gelabert in attempt to change things around.
Henry says: “Spanish commentators going crazy for Sergio Gomez, calling him the player of the tournament. What do you think?”
Phil Foden for me.
GOAL! Phil Foden completes the comeback to make it 3-2. Hudson-Odi was sent clear down by left, leaving Moha behind him like he didn’t exist, before sending the ball across the box to Foden who taps a bobbling ball into the back of the net. What a game!
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GOAL! England 3-2 Spain (Foden, 70)
Foden turns in the third.
68 min: Jaume sends in a cross from the right, which hits a tired-looking Panzo and goes out for a corner. The corner heads to the back post and is turned behind again.
65 min: Hudson-Odoi is very dangerous down the left against the fearful Jaume, but after cutting in onto his favoured right foot his shot goes straight at the goalkeeper from 20 yards.
63 min: Miranda, who hasn’t looked the most solid, is the first man into the book for holding onto an England player.
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Richard asks: “Any news on the Spanish Twitter feed;s response to the equaliser?”
They acknowledged it.
62 min: Foden is found inside the area by a Hudson-Odoi cross and the City man succeeds in hitting a volley on target but Fernandez does well to turn the ball way.
61 min: How good is Phil Foden? He’s looked like the best player on the pitch so far? He’s so calm on the ball and incredibly skilful with it, as well as being able to pick intelligent passes. No wonder Guardiola rates him so highly.
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60 min: Gomez lofts a corner into the box onto Miranda’s head but his effort is straight at Anderson who reacts well to stop it and then keep hold of the ball with a number of players around him.
GOAL! Foden shows his class once again to find Sessegnon running beyond the Spain defence, and his shot across the box finds Gibbs-White who makes no mistake from a few yards out.
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GOAL! England 2-2 Spain (Gibbs-White, 58)
The Wolves man gets on the end of a cross.
57 min: A ball goes over the top for Brewster to chase, but Fernandez reads it, collects the ball 30 yards from goal and clears after taking on the striker.
55 min: England are certainly pressing high in order to get the ball back but Spain are relaxed at the back and happy top play it out.
53 min: Hudson-Odoi swings a low corner into the front post which catches Spain unaware forcing Fernandez to dive down bravely to stop the ball, then allowing the defence to send it away.
53 min: Foden is at the centre of everything for England and wins his side a corner after hitting a shot from 25 yards, which is deflected wide.
51 min: Latibeaudiere reads the play and wins the ball under pressure from Gelabert who comes off far worse from the challenge as he stays on the floor requiring treatment, despite the fact he was the one to give the free-kick away.
50 min: Gibbs-White finds space 22 yards from goal as he receives a ball over the top, but he lashes the ball high and wide.
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48 min: Jaume tries to send a free-kick across the pitch in his own half, but finds Foden 30 yards from goal, although the Manchester City playmaker’s pass isn’t controlled by Brewster, so Spain can clear.
47 min: Gomez swings in a corner from the right only for Anderson to react well to fist the ball well away from the area.
46 min: Peep peep! Spain move the ball from the centre circle.
Here come the players again. Whatever the result, it’s been an exciting game for all who are watching. Can it get better for England? We shall see.
Half-time: England 1-2 Spain
England pulled one back at a good time. Cooper’s side always looked dangerous going forward from the start but have showed what they’re lacking at the back. Spain have played the occasion better for the majority of the game, as they’ve waited for their chances. With Foden, Brewster and Hudson-Odoi on the pitch, England will always create chances. Should be a great second-half.
45+3 min: Brewster curls a free-kick over the wall from 20 yards, but the ‘keeper is equal to it and tips the shot over the bar as the whistle blows for half-time.
GOAL! Sessegnon puts in a wonderful cross from the right wing, which lands perfectly onto Brewster’s head and his effort is too powerful for the goalkeeper. The Liverpool striker then grabs the ball out of the net and runs back to the centre spot. Game on!
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GOAL! England 1-2 Spain (Brewster, 44)
It’s another from the Liverpool striker.
43 min: Panzo passes the ball to Hudson-Odoi, who cuts into the area onto his favoured right foot and then curls one onto the post from 18 yards and the rebounds flies over the bar.
41 min: Most of England’s most dangerous play is coming via Foden, as he looks to be the most comfortable man on the pitch. His long ball out to Hudson-Odei floats out of play as the winger fails to control it.
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39 min: Brewster smashes a volley from the edge of the area, which hits Miranda straight in the face from a yard. The defender is still down. Then a cross finds Foden at the back post but his header goes wide, with the Manchester City man claiming a penalty for a push. Nothing given.
37 min: England are looking to get things happening but Spain are more relaxed now, so don’t seem too worried by what England are trying to throw at them.
Mike says: “Hopefully it’s a game of two halves - England are certainly a side of two halves, the central midfield/defence are far too slow in thought and movement when Spain are in possession. Hard to see England coming back to win this in regulation time.”
One can only hope...
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It means a lot to the Spanish
¡¡GOOOL GOOOL GOOL DE ESPAÑA!! ¡¡EL SEGUNDO DE SERGIO GÓMEZ!! ¡¡VAYA DISPARO!! | #ENG 0-2 #ESP | 30' | #FIFAU17WC
— Selección Española (@SeFutbol) October 28, 2017
33 min: Hudson-Odoi once again gets the better of Jaume but he doesn’t find a suitable end product as he is blocked out by two Spanish defenders on the edge of the box.
GOAL! Gomez scores the second one and it’s far more convincing as he fires a shot across the ‘keeper into the top corner after good work down the right wing. England really need to up it now and threaten Spain inside the box.
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GOAL! England 0-2 Spain (Gomez, 30)
No questions about that one!
28 min: Drinks break! Water all round.
28 min: Foden is showing off all his qualities as he beats Miranda with a flick and then has a shot but it deflects out for a corner and nothing comes of it.
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26 min: Foden and Gibbs-White combine well on the edge of the box, including a lovely pass with the outside of the Manchester City man’s foot, but when he goes for the shot, Spain block the duo out.
25 min: We’ve reached a bit of a lull after a tough opening 25 minutes, so it’s nice to see things have calmed down so the players can take stock of what’s happened so far.
22 min: Sessegnon is found out wide, he cuts in onto his left foot but then his effort flies high and wide from a good position.
20 min: Oakley-Boothe is crudely taken down by Guillamon on the right wing. Foden swings in the cross, but Spain’s first man stops the ball. Spain break down the other end, as they have two on none, but Anderson throws himself at the Spaniard to stop Moha and then the assistant flags for offside. A sign of how dangerous the Spanish side are.
19 min: Hudson-Odoi sprints away from the Spain defence but his cross misses everyone and leaves the box untouched by his team-mates. England look dangerous down both flanks.
17 min: There seem to a lot of bats flying around the ground. I would find that quite distracting as a player, but it is halloween ‘season’, so we should expect these sorts of things.
16 min: So...Sessegnon did play on Gomez. My bad. More bad defending than officiating in the end. Oh well.
14 min: Ferran Torres pulls the ball back to ‘goal’ scorer Gomez but he just passes his shot straight at Anderson from 20 yards.
12 min: It’s all about how England react from that injustice. Hudson-Odoi puts in a dangerous free-kick and then a second cross after the first was cleared. Miranda then stood on Foden’s back after the Manchester City man ran the ball out of play. Not sure the referee and his officials are watching this game too carefully.
Goal! It’s a nice move from Spain who work the ball into the box, where a weak header bounces towards Anderson, but it is instead flicked home by Gomez from six yards. The Spaniard was well offside and the officials have had a nightmare there.
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GOAL! England 0-1 Spain (Gomez, 10)
Surely that is offside...
9 min: It’s a good atmosphere in stadium, which will give the players a boost I am sure. Really making it into an occasion, as some youth level finals can lack something.
8 min: Spain have found their composure after England’s quick start and have kept possession well for a minute. Could be a contrast of styles if it continues like this.
6 min: Ferran Torres puts in his first cross from close to the byline but it’s straight at Anderson, who gathers the ball at the second time of asking. The ‘keeper will need to be a touch more composed from now on.
5 min: Foden gets his first few touches of the ball in the corner, he shows off his skills and is unlucky not to take it beyond a third Spanish defender, as Spain eventually clear.
3 min: There’s plenty of pace in this England team, so it’s no surprise that there’s been such a quick start. They look like they’ll try to keep the pressure on Spain.
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1 min: England build from the back and the ball eventually finds its way into the box where Brewster sets up Gibbs-White but his shot from close range is well saved. What a start!
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1 min: Peep peep! Here we go for the most important 90 minutes of the players’ young careers. England start the game.
The Spain team is united as they link arms during their anthem, which currently has no words. They once tried to add lyrics, but people preferred the older version.
The teams are out on the pitch in what looks like a very busy stadium in Kolkata. The anthems are about to be begin. England is first, and the lads have researched their lines.
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Kurt asks: “Fascinating that you lived in Bilbao - what’s your opinion of the city? I’ve always thought it looked like a great place, but not yet had the chance to go.”
Great city, great culture and superb food. But we should talk about football, so...the team and stadium are wonderful too.
Paul Simpson has turned up in a fleece to explain how good the England U17 team is. He confirms “they’re really good lads”.
I previously lived in Bilbao, so I can claim some affection for Spain, not that the Basques always do. Pleased I could shoehorn that in early on.
As part of the buildup on BBC2 they’ve got Flog It on. So we’re going from antiques to the most talented teenagers in the country. It’s a good mix.
Sean feels young Brewster could slot right in at Anfield: “Liverpool need to get that Brewster lad straight into the first team, get the best from him then burn him out young like Fowler and Owen.”
If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
Manchester United and Spurs played out a pretty tedious game earlier, but at least there was a goal. Here’s the report:
England’s diverse team are ready to make a statement in India today, according to Ed Aarons.
If you’ve ended up on this page looking for an intelligent review of Catalan nationalism and the current issues in Spain, then you’re in the wrong place sadly. I am sure the Spain team will shrug off the issues back home in order to unite as they look to win the World Cup.
Naturally there are a few names to keep an eye on in the Spain team. Cesar Galabert from Real Madrid is in fine form, while Ferran Torres of Valencia is an intelligent player who is at the centre of much of what La Rojita do.
Senior head coach Julen Lopetgui has sent his words of encouragement to the team.
Ilusionados y orgullosos con la @SeFutbol sub17 en la gran final del Mundial de hoy. Estamos con vosotros. #FIFAU17WC pic.twitter.com/PC4NHqVJUh
— Julen Lopetegui (@julenlopetegui) October 28, 2017
Manager Steve Cooper has repeated his belief in the squad at his disposal and with every reason. He has stuck with the same team that made it through the semi-final against Brazil and will be hoping for a similar result.
Jadon Sancho has made his Borussia Dortmund debut since leaving India, at the request of the German club, but surely he would want to be in Kolkata today, trying to win the World Cup with the team-mates he’s grown up with. Winning today would be a moment to remember for all the England team.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing? You can get in touch with all your comments, criticism and encouragement in the usual places.
Having lost to Spain in the summer on penalties, England will be boosted by the fact they’ve already won shootout in the tournament against Japan. No one missed and goalkeeper Anderson got up scored one himself, which shows the confidence running throughout this team.
And if you want to know more about the entire team, we’ve got you covered there, too.
Rhian Brewster has lead the line for England throughout the tournament and is leading the scoring charts in India, netting consecutive hat-tricks in the process. Andy Hunter can tell you more about the Liverpool striker.
Team news
England: Anderson, Sessegnon, Latibeaudiere, Guehi, Panzo, McEachran, Oakley-Boothe, Foden, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Brewster.
Subs: Eyoma, Gibson, Gomes, Bursik, Kirby, Loader, Smith-Rowe, Gallagher, Crellin.
Spain: Fernández, Jaume, Miranda, Guillamon, Chust, Blanco, Torres, Moukhliss, Ruiz, Gómez, Gelabert.
Subs: Marc Vidal, Alfonso, Nacho Díaz, Pedro, Álvaro García, Eric García, Pampín, Lara, Beitia, Víctor Perea.
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Preamble
England are going for World Cup glory in Kolkata. They’ve enjoyed a pretty impressive tournament so far, not to mention seeing off Brazil in the semi-finals thanks to a hat-trick from Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster. But the lad from London is not the only one to have shown they have an exciting future in the game, as Phil Foden has been mesmeric in midfield and Curtis Anderson made a name for himself with his chirpy nature and penalty shootout goal against Japan. Jadon Sancho might be a bit envious of his team-mates as he once again was a cut above the rest in the early stages of the tournament in India, but was then called back by his club, Borussia Dortmund, meaning he is absent today.
Spain defeated England on penalties in the European Championships over the summer, having equalised with the last kick of the game, so revenge will be on the minds of the Three Lions. La Rojita were actually defeated in the group stages by Brazil, something that will give England confidence. There’s the endless array of Barcelona talent on the roster for Spain, with striker and captain Abel Ruiz, who moved to the Nou Camp aged 12, one of the key men for the Spanish. The No9 models himself on Robert Lewandowski and will be the man the England defence have to keep quiet today in Kolkata.
There’s rarely anything to get too excited about with the men’s team, but it’s a nice feeling to have some hope on a Saturday afternoon. Maybe we can even find some patriotism to go with it.
