England U17 0-0 Japan U17 (5-3 pens): Young Lions squeeze into World Cup quarters

England U17s reached the World Cup quarter-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Japan, which followed a 0-0 draw in Kolkata.

Crystal Palace’s Nya Kirby dispatched the winning penalty as England scored all five of their spot-kicks, while Curtis Anderson kept out Hinata Kida’s effort.

The shootout came after the Young Lions dominated the majority of play in front of 53,000 spectators, although Japan almost stole it at the death with a number of chances.

England will face the United States for a place in the last four, where they could potentially meet Brazil or Germany.

In a dominant first half from England, it was Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster who had a number of opportunities for the Young Lions, most notably an effort which rattled the post from a narrow angle.

Japan may have been second best in terms of possession, but they almost broke the deadlock with Keito Nakamura seeing his effort blocked before Soichiro Kozuki smashed the rebound into the side netting.

England could not find an opener before the break despite further chances for Brewster and Philip Foden.

The second half saw the Young Lions remain on top, but George McEachran and Foden both spurned decent chances.

Japan grew stronger as the game went on, with Taisei Miyashiro testing Curtis Anderson on a couple of occasions, while Takefusa Kubo continued to pepper the England box.

The Young Lions almost stole it at the death as substitute Kirby’s effort was cleared off the line, but in truth England looked tired and would have been grateful to see the match heading to penalties and not to 30 minutes of extra-time.

In the shootout, Brewster, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Foden all converted from the spot before Kida’s effort was saved.

Anderson followed up his stop by scoring a penalty of his own, with Kirby going on to send England into the quarters with an effort in off the post.

Man of the match – Philip Foden

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is fully aware of Foden’s potential, having described him as a "gift" and "on another level" earlier this year.

Foden looked a cut above the rest in Kolkata and linked up well with the forward players. On another afternoon he would have had a goal and a couple assists to show for his effort, but this was no simple game for England and they will be delighted to have scraped through.

What next?

A quarter-final clash against the United States awaits the Young Lions. That will take place at 3.30pm (UK time) on October 21 in Goa.

(c) Sky News 2017: England U17 0-0 Japan U17 (5-3 pens): Young Lions squeeze into World Cup quarters