Our thoughts are on winning FIFA U-17 trophy now: England captain Latibeaudiere

Kolkata Oct 26 (IANS) England U-17 team skipper Joel Latibeaudiere has his eyes trained on winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup after the Young Lions brushed Brazil aside by a 3-1 scoreline in the semi-final.

"The thought has always been to get to where we are now and hopefully win the trophy " Latibeaudiere said at the mixed zone here.

Liverpool s Rhian Brewster struck a brace in the first half (10th and 39th minutes) before finding the net again in the 77th minute in the thrilling and fast last-four clash that saw an attendance of nearly 64 000 spectators on Wednesday.

Three-time champions Brazil s only goal came from Wesley (21st) and they would now take on Mali in a clash for the third place hours before the final.

England have already claimed FIFA U-20 World Cup title and a UEFA European U-19 Championship crown this year.

On Wednesday England s U-17 side took another step to becoming world champions at their level.

"The U-20 s did it and that s just motivation for us. It just shows where English football has got to now and it s just great for English football in general. To be in the final is just joy happiness. It s just a great feeling " the captain said.

On Brewster Latibeaudiere said: "Rhian is a big character on and off the pitch. He s very motivational he gets the team going with his goals and all his other attributes " the defender said.

"Off the pitch he s very motivational in helping out and talking to the team. He s a leader within himself so when he scores the three goals we re all happy. We know that we ve got a trusted No9 who can win us games like he has done against USA and against Brazil today."

England will take on Spain on Saturday in the summit clash in a repeat of the European U-17 Championships earlier this year. Spain won 4-1 on penalties against Mali after the two teams were locked 2-2 in regulation time.

--IANS
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