Rhian Brewster treble sees England roar past Brazil into final

Rhian Brewster struck a second successive hat-trick as England beat Brazil 3-1 to reach the Under-17 World Cup final and continue a glorious summer for the Young Lions.

Brewster, the hero of the quarter-final win over the United States, was prolific from close-range as he became the first man to score a treble in a semi-final at any World Cup since Pele in 1958.

The Liverpool forward needed two chances to grab the opener, turning home after Gabriel Brazao had saved his initial effort, before Wesley briefly drew the Brazilians level.

Brewster grabbed his second from Steven Sessegnon’s lovely cut-back – digging the ball out from under his feet and rifling home – before scoring his seventh goal of the tournament with 13 minutes remaining.

England will meet Spain in Saturday’s final at 15:30 BST, which will be shown LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport Player.

They are bidding to rival the exploits of the Under-20 side – who clinched England’s first World Cup win at any level since 1966 in the summer. England have also won the Toulon Tournament and the European Under-19 Championship in a remarkable 2017.

Are you watching, Gareth? With the England side putting in a raft of insipid displays, Gareth Southgate must be wondering how on earth he can replicate the Young Lions success. However, hopefully he avoids any rash promotions – these youngsters need to be kept away from the limelight until they’re fully ready. There’s so much promise in the U-17 side and beyond.

Rhian Brewster (England): Phil Foden can feel hard done by after a heroic display – with practically every bright England move coming through the Manchester City man – but you can’t overlook a kid who has just scored back-to-back hat-tricks. Shout out too for Joel Latibeaudiere, who was mighty impressive in defence.

Brazil U-17: Brazao 5, Wesley 6, Vitao 6, Halter 5, Weverson 5, Bobsin 5, Brenner 6, Antonio 7, Alan 5, Paulinho 8, Lincoln 7... Subs: Alberto 7, Junio 6, Nestor N/A.

England U-17: Anderson 5, Sessegnon 7, Latibeaudiere 8, Guehi 6, Panzo 6, McEachran 7, Oakley-Boothe 6, Foden 9, Gibbs-White 7, Hudson-Odoi 7, Brewster 9... Subs: Smith-Rowe 7, Eyoma 6, Kirby N/A.

10' - GOAL! Brazil 0-1 England. Callum Hudson-Odoi curls a peach of a cross into the mixer. It falls to Brewster, who turns home at the second attempt after Gabriel Brazao's initial save. Advantage England!

16' - CHANCE! Brazil should be level. A teasing cross falls to Lincoln, who fails to turn the ball on target, before Vitao misses the ball at the back post. Think the latter was offside, actually.

21' - GOAL! Brazil 1-1 England. Paulinho and Wesley play successive one-twos on the edge of the box – like peak Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole – as England chase shadows. The former’s shot is stopped by Anderson, but Wesley is on hand to lash home the loose ball. Lovely equaliser.

29' - WHAT A CHANCE! Latibeaudiere heads wide unmarked from a corner. Brazao was absolutely nowhere.

30' - EVEN BIGGER CHANCE! Not quite sure how, but Brenner is through on goal with acres of space. He’s got to score… NO! He’s rolled it wide. Shocker.

39' - GOAL! Brazil 1-2 England. Sessegnon gets to the byline and fizzes a low cross through the six-yard box. It hits Brewster, who manages to adjust his feet and rifle home! Advantage England… again!

63' - CLOSE! New man Alberto latches onto a brilliant through ball. Two white shirts put enough pressure on, though, allowing Anderson to save a tame effort.

66' - ANOTHER CHANCE! Weverson sends in a glorious ball from the left flank, which Lincoln turns towards goal. Just wide!

77' - GOAL! Brazil 1-3 England. Foden dances through the Brazil defence, sucking four yellow shirts into his vicinity. He feeds substitute Smith-Rowe, who ships in a tantalising low cross… AND TURNED IN BY BREWSTER! HAT-TRICK!

Rhian Brewster has now scored with seven of his 10 shots on target at the U-17 World Cup finals for England.