Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy were in action as England qualified for the knockout stages of the Under-17 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Egypt in Qatar on Monday afternoon.
Going into the game chasing a second victory of the tournament, the Young Lions stepped up when it mattered to finish as runners-up to Venezuela in Group E and automatically progress to the round of 32.
Attacking midfielder Luca started and provided a fine assist for England’s second goal 11 minutes into the second half, converted by Reigan Heskey, before subsequently winning a penalty, although two-goal Heskey was denied his hat-trick from the spot by goalkeeper Omar Abdel Aziz, with Seth Ridgeon unable to convert the follow-up.
With Luca substituted on 66 minutes, centre-back Malachi was brought off the bench 10 minutes later as England defended their 2-0 lead, and in the closing stages, the Young Lions wrapped it up with a third goal courtesy of Harrison Miles, who broke down the right and finished from a tight angle.
Ending their group campaign with six points – one behind Venezuela, who beat them 3-0 on matchday one – England will have to wait until the rest of the group stage action has concluded before discovering their opponents in the first knockout round.