Team Herald

MARGAO: A splendid performance from striker Rhian Brewster rattled USA defence by scoring his maiden hat-trick to send England into the semi-finals with a 4-0 win in the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter-final, at Nehru Stadium, on Saturday.

The young Liverpool striker had the first look at the net in the 11th minute and doubled their lead in the 14th minute, before slotting home a spot kick in the add-on time to complete his hat-trick. Morgan Gibbs White also scored in 64th minute to hand England the convincing win.

USA missed a series of chances in the game until they managed to score a consolation goal in the 72nd minute through Joshua Sargent.

USA had the first shy at the goal in the second minute when Andrew Carleton's right footer attempt missed the right corner of the England goal.

USA missed a couple of chances hence until Brewster opened the scoring in the 11th minute for the Young Lions. Rhian’s right-foot strike from the box landed straight into the net. 

Rhian doubled the lead immediately in the 14th minute with a brilliant placement over the on rushing USA goalkeeper. 

The Young Lion would’ve completed his hat-trick in the first half itself but was thwarted by the keeper Justin Graces on the left side of the goal.   

Deficit of two goals, the US team went on the attacking mode and had few opportunities to reduce the margin but Andrew Carleton, Timothy Weah and Taylor Booth missed the mark as England went into the breather with a comfortable lead over the opponents. 

The second-half continued to display good performance from both the sides by creating many goal-scoring chances. 

US goalkeeper Justin made a handful of saves to keep his side in the hunt for win. 

An attacking England took the game away from USA in the 64th minute when Morgan Gibbs-White scored with a right-footer to the bottom right corner of the USA goal after being assisted by Brewster.

Despite enjoying a handy 3-0 lead, the Young Lions continued their attacking form, only to be foiled by a resolute Justin in front of the opponent goal.

Joshua reduced the margin for the USA in the 72nd minute with a right-footed shot from close range to the bottom left corner of the English goal.

But Brewster added salt to USA's wound when he converted from a spot kick in the additional time to register his hat-trick and a convincing victory for his side. 

England will face the winner of Sunday's quarter-final duel between Brazil and Germany in the last-four round in Guwahati, on October 25.