Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
England completed the semi-final lineup for the 2017 U-20 FIFA World Cup as they beat Mexico 1-0 in the last eight on Monday in South Korea.
The Young Lions, in the last four of the tournament for the first time since 1993, will now take on Italy on Thursday to battle for a place in the final.
England were impressive at times against Mexico in the last eight, and Dominic Solanke’s 47th-minute goal came after a fine move that included a pinpoint pass from Lewis Cook.
However, it was a little too close for comfort in the end as they had to play with 10 men for the final 18 minutes, after Josh Onomah was controversially sent off, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was called into action to keep England ahead.
Against Italy, Paul Simpson’s side cannot afford to be profligate with their opportunities.
The Italians needed extra time to make it past Zambia in the quarter-finals. But having turned the game around from 2-1 down with six minutes to go, they will be high on confidence that they can reach the final.
Italy, though, have been relatively weak at the back in the South Korea tournament, conceding six goals in five matches compared to England’s two.
The Young Lions have the talent in attack to exploit any gaps at the back but will need to be more clinical at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium if they are to advance to the final.
At time of posting, Italy lead 1-0 but England are looking the stronger going into the final half hour of the game. Can Paul Simpson’s men over the come the odds and move into Sunday’s final were they would go head to head with South American side Venezuela.
Should they progress then the final would take place on Sunday with a kickoff time of twelve midday (UK)
