England prodigy Jadon joins squad

Sancho was named ‘Player of the Tournament’ at the U-17 Euros earlier this year, where England finished as runners-up after losing the final to Spain on penalties. Sancho joined the team’s first official practice, four days ahead of their Cup opener against Chile. Sancho did not travel with the team as he arrived separately after getting a last-minute release from Bundesliga giants Dortmund.

“For now, Jadon is here for the group stage and that’s all we are focusing on,” England media manager Amy Hart told reporters in the side-lines of their practice at SAI training ground. The London-born teenager has scored 13 goals in 16 games for the Young Lions and is expected to be a key player if they are to progress to the last 16 in a “group of death’ featuring two-time champions Mexico, Chile and Asian winners Iraq. 

Meanwhile, two-time champions Mexico arrived here today after a pre-conditioning camp in Spain for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The 21-member El Tri were accompanied by a strong 16- member support staff including chief coach Mario Arteaga. Mexico, which opens its campaign against Asian champions Iraq on March 8, was the last to arrive here from the Group F teams. With no Nigeria this time, the seven-time CONCACAF champions will be one of the favourites as it remains to be seen how the Arteaga’s boys cope with the unfamiliar Indian conditions.

Midfielder Komal Thatal is looking to emulate his wonder goal against Brazil in the BRICS Championship last year in the FIFA U-17 World Cup FIFA U-17 World Cup when India takes on US in the opening game. “It will be a big and historic moment for Indian Football and its fans. This will be India’s first ever participation in a FIFA World Cup and we expect the nation to get behind us and cheer for us”, said Thatal.

Argentine legend Diego Maradona will now play the ‘Match for Unity’ against former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on October 9. “We would like to confirm that the Match for Unity (Diego vs Dada) is to be held at Aditya School of Sports Stadium, Kadambagachi, Taki Road, North 24 Parganas on the October 9, at 2.30pm,” a statement from the organisers read. Maradona was initially scheduled to arrive in the third week of September.