By Our Man in Qatar
DOHA, Qatar – The Young Lions have secured their spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Round of 16 after a blistering 2-0 victory over South Korea, staged deep within the state-of-the-art Aspire Zone in Qatar.
Forget freezing pitches in Salford, this was pure footballing theatre on Pitch 8 of the vast, futuristic Doha complex! The spectacular Aspire Zone, a jewel in Qatar’s crown dedicated to world-class sports performance, proved the perfect backdrop for England’s latest international triumph.
Neil Ryan’s side quickly adapted to the intense, high-tech environment, silencing the Korean attack with a display of gritty defence and clinical finishing.
The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Korea’s Jung Hui-seop tragically diverted a low, wicked cross from Seth Ridgeon into his own net on 29 minutes—handing the Young Lions a crucial advantage.
The goal sent the England bench into raptures, and they didn’t have long to wait for the crucial second!
Just six minutes later, Manchester City’s prodigy Reigan Heskey proved he has the same golden touch as his legendary father, Emile.
Heskey was perfectly positioned to turn in a sharp cross from Bradley Burrowes on 35 minutes, securing the 2-0 scoreline that booked England’s ticket to the knockout phase.
Arsenal keeper Jack Porter enjoyed a quiet afternoon, keeping a clean sheet behind a resolute back four in the stunning Qatari setting.
England now face Austria in the Round of 16, confident that the momentum and the experience gained on the hallowed ground of Aspire Zone will carry them all the way to the trophy.
