Everton starlet Hallam Hope (above left) scored the opener for the England U-17 side tonight, as the young Lions defeated their Rwandan counterparts 2-0 in their opening World Cup match in Pachuca, Mexico. Also representing Everton across the Atlantic was academy midfielder John Lundstram.The Everton pair were both named in boss John Peacock's starting line-up and both produced assured performances as England emerged victorious over the African side.
The first half ended with the scores still level at 0-0, but it would have been a different story if the woodwork hadn't twice denied Everton striker Hope from breaking the deadlock. Lundstram had also seen his early headed effort fly just over the crossbar.
Forward Hope remained a threat throughout and was again unfortunate not to score just after the interval, as he saw his effort well saved.
He did finally manage to open his and England's World Cup account, breaking the deadlock on 68 minutes. Moments after Rwanda had hit the crossbar at the other end, the striker was set free into a 1-on-1 situation and calmly chipped the ball over the 'keeper to put England ahead. In celebration he revealed a message on his shinpad that read 'happy father's day' - a nice touch for a surely very proud father.
Midfielder Lundstram also showed some good touches in a hard-working and efficient display. With just six minutes remaining Hope was substituted but there was still time for England to add a second goal. It came courtesy of Raheem Sterling and it was an absolute peach of a strike from the edge of the area - just a shame he plays his club football for Liverpool.
2-0 was how it ended and the squad will now prepare to face Canada on Thursday, before rounding off the group stage of the tournament with a game against Uruguay on Saturday night.
This Hope lad looks like a real talent for the future. Took his goal well and could have had a hat-trick on another day.
ReplyDelete