England, Japan in last 16

Kolkata: England prevailed over two-time champions Mexico 3-2 to seal a FIFA U-17 World Cup pre- quarterfinal berth with yet another dominating show on Wednesday.

It was a feast for the eyes as 40,620 people turned out at the Saltlake Stadium and witnessed the five-goal thriller with England dominating the first one-hour, followed by Mexico's second-half resurgence.

After some hits and misses in the first 30 minutes, Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster curled in a 39th minute free-kick to break the stalemate. Brilliant with his pace and movement, Philip Foden finally found his name in the scoreline when he doubled the lead four minutes after the break, while the Young Lions star player Jadon Sancho earned a penalty and converted it in the 57th minute for his third goal in the tournament.

Mexico looked to equalise in the first-half injury time when an Torres' right-footed freekick from a difficult angle was saved in the top centre of the goal by England goalkeeper Curtis Anderson.

France pip Japan
Meanwhile, France rode on a brace by Amine Gouiri to beat a stubborn Japan 2-1 in a Group E encounter at Guwahati. The Olympique Lyonnais youngster struck in the 13th and 71st minutes while Taisei Miyashiro (73rd minute) reduced the margin for Japan.

France are at the top of the group with six points, having won both their matches. They have qualified for the Round of 16 as they will finish among the top two even if they lose their last group match.

Gouiri was a constant threat for the Japanese defenders and he opened the scoring with a nice finish through the legs of Japan goalkeeper Kosei Tani.