The U20 World Cup is into the second round of group games over in South Korea, with England taking on Guinea after a surprisingly easy win over Argentina to open their tournament on the weekend. Unfortunately, England failed to show the same qualities as in that clinical 3-0 triumph, laboring to a 1-1 draw that leaves them with a job to do against the host nation of Friday. Korea have won both of their games so far, which does guarantee them a place in the knockout rounds.
England looked to be on their way to a second win as well despite not playing all that well. Manager Paul Simpson made several changes from Saturday’s game, but retained all three Chelsea youngsters in the starting lineup, with Dominic Solanke starting once again as a second/shadow striker in support of Adam Armstrong — not sure why they keep insisting on playing him in that role — while Jake Clarke-Salter and Fikayo Tomori continued their partnership in central defense. Unfortunately it was the latter who got on the scoresheet at the wrong end, his blind backpass sailing past goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the back of the net for the equalizer.
Oopsies.
Both sides missed key opportunities to win it, with Guinea hitting the post and England almost nicking it at the end. Tomori looked a bit rattled by his error, but will surely recover.