Academy

USA v. England: U17 World Cup Preview

u17 wc qf preview

Saturday morning marks a huge test for the next generation of footballing talent on both sides of the pond. 


READ: Major Keys: Will NYCFC Clinch Second Seed?


England and the USMNT face off in the quarterfinals of the U17 FIFA World Cup (10:20 AM, Fox Sports 2) with a spot in the final four on the line in a match wrought with City intrigue. Three Manchester City prospects headline the Three Lions' squad, with goalkeeper Curtis Anderson, defender Joel Latibeaudiere, and attacker Philip Foden representing the club. 


On the American side, Tyler Shaver and Homegrown signing James Sands—who has appeared in every fixture for the US U17s in this tournament—rep NYCFC. 


Sands has helped anchor the backline for an American side bound for the quarterfinals on the back of three shutout victories in four matches. Most recently, a 5-0 shellacking of Paraguay featuring a hat-trick from PSG's Tim Weah paved the Americans' path to the quarterfinals. 


On the other side, England's road through the Round of 16 was a bit tougher. They found themselves even with Japan at 0-0 when the final whistle blew, winning 5-3 on penalties to set up a trip to face the USA in Goa. 


Other than that 0-0 result, England has not been short on firepower at this tournament. In the group stage, wins over Chile by a score of 4-0, 3-2 over Mexico, and 4-0 over Iraq were enough to seal up the top spot. Manchester City's Philip Foden tallied a goal against Mexico, while Curtis Anderson started at goalkeeper in the first two matches, and again in the shutout against Japan. 


PHOTOS: Training for Decision Day


The winner of this match will face the winner of Germany vs. Brazil in the semifinals on October 25th. 

USA v. England: U17 World Cup Preview -
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