Kolkata: England are the hot favourites when they take on Mexico in a Group F encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan also known as the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata.
The Three Lions began their world cup campaign in style as they routed a hapless Chilean side 4-0 in their first game of the tournament. Jadon Sancho, was the star for them, netting a brace and helping his team climb to the top of the group. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Angel Gomes were the other goalscorers for them.
In contrast, Mexico didn’t really get off to a start they’d be satisfied with as they drew 1-1 with Iraq. They wasted a lot of possession and were ineffective in the final third and couldn’t find that winning goal against a resilient Iraqi side who would have been quite happy with the result. Beginning the match as underdogs, Iraq did well to find the opening goal but failed to hold on to the lead as Mexico equalised in the second half. Still, their resilience and determination to not give it up was indeed worthy of applause.
It would take one hell of an effort from Mexico to contain the likes of Jadon Sancho and Angel Gomes and they would need to buck up if they have any chance of outplaying England, who have established themselves to be strong contenders for the title.
Iraq vs Chile
Iraq would be up against Chile, who would definitely want to make amends after their thrashing at the hands of England. Their toughness and strength would be tested when they face La Rojita, who would be determined to bounce back to winning ways in the Group F encounter. On the other hand, this is a do-or-die game for the South American side, if they are to go forward and challenge the other contenders for the coveted title.
Hernán Caputto’s would thus go out all guns blazing and would rely on the services of forwards Nicolás Gutiérrez, Diego Valencia among others to make a mark. Goalkeeper Rodrigo Cancino might replace Julio Borquez who was shown a red card in their last match for a harsh challenge against Liverpool FC’s Rhian Brewster. However, Hugo Araya too remains in the contention of taking up the goalkeeper’s spot.
Group E
France vs Japan
This is expected to be one blockbuster of a clash as both these sides began their world cup campaigns with a bang. While Japan hammered Honduras 6-1 in it’s opening game, Les Bleus decimated New Caledonia 7-1 to announce themselves in the tournament.
Keito Nakamura wrote his name into the record books by netting a wonderful hat-trick that took opponents Honduras out of the game completely. He was helped by Takefusa Kubo, Taisei Miyashiro and Tolchi Suzuki who scored the fourth, fifth and sixth goals respectively.
For France, star striker Amine Gouiri was on the money with two goals and an assist while Claudio Gomes, Maxence Caqueret and Kiam Wanesse netted the other goals. They are indeed a force to be reckoned with and Japan might just be the perfect opponents for them if they have to proceed to the next stage of the tournament.
Honduras vs New Caledonia
In stark contrast, both these teams would be low on morale after their heavy defeats to Japan and New Caledonia respectively. Hence, they would look forward to bring their world cup campaigns back on track when they take on each other in the battle of underdogs.
Group E
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
5pm- France U-17 vs Japan U-17
8pm- Honduras U-17 vs New Caledonia U-17
Group F
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan
5pm- England U-17 vs Mexico U-17
8pm- Iraq U-17 vs Chile U-17