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U-17 World Cup: England squad train hard sans star winger Sancho

Updated on: 01 October,2017 11:16 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Noel D'Souza |

The England U-17 side had their first rigorous training session with skipper Manchester United kid Angel Gomes back in the squad

U-17 World Cup: England squad train hard sans star winger Sancho

FIFA U-17 World Cup
The England U-17 side had their first rigorous training session with skipper Manchester United kid Angel Gomes back in the squad. Gomes, who missed the flight due to club commitments, has been in good touch for the Red Devils in the UEFA Youth League this season. He joined the Young Lions yesterday. The boys sweated it out at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri yesterday ahead of their first training match against New Zealand today.


Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho


However, eyebrows raised by the absence of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who was named Player of the Tournament in the Young Lions' runners-up journey at the European Championships in Croatia last season. Sancho was the only player missing from the squad that trained yesterday. The German club are reportedly trying to block Sancho's move to India.


When asked if the full squad was present, head coach Steve Cooper's reply flummoxed journalists present for the interaction. "The squad is here and ready to play. We have got training sessions, play and visits around, all in preparation for the World Cup. All players are here."

England U-17 head coach Steve Cooper in Andheri yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
England U-17 head coach Steve Cooper in Andheri yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

The England team management as well had no clue about Sancho's whereabouts. The worst feared that he could be the second miss of India's first FIFA tournament after Brazil wonder kid Vinicius Junior, dubbed as the next Neymar, was held back by his club Flamengo. According to an agreement between the Brazil Football Confederation and Flamengo, Vinicius' trip to India would only fructify if the club won the top division league. Flamengo lost 3-5 on penalties to Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brazil final on Thursday.

England too are looking to be facing with a similar situation, but Cooper negated any such queries. "We have an excellent relationship with the clubs in England and we have worked really at that. As an FA, we have made big efforts and strides to get to know the clubs better and build relationships that will be long lasting. The clubs see the value of their players playing international football and the opportunities and experiences it can offer," he said.

"There's always going to be a debate with contact time in international football. Ultimately, the players benefit and that's the most important thing. They are still young players and are developing. It's all about the long term. It's really important that we keep the good relationships going," he added.

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