Korea DPR

1-1

England 

Rim 89

Moses 62


FIFA U17 World Cup
Group B
2pm Saturday 18 August
Jeju World Cup Stadium, Seogwipo

Disgruntled England captain Jordan Spence says the hot and humid conditions inside the Jeju World Cup Stadium were no excuse for their below-par performance.

The young Lions looked on course for an opening win against Korea DPR after Victor Moses followed up Nathan Porritt's shot to put England ahead.

But, in temperatures in excess of 30 degrees and in unbearable humidity, England conceded a cruel late goal when Rim Choi Min smashed home.

"We'd have to admit we did not play as well as we can," said the skipper. "Everyone has off days. Conditions were tough, it was warm, but we are not going to use that as an excuse. It's no excuse for our ball retention and quality of play. It was hot and humid, but everyone got through it. The first game of any tournament is always a tough one."

Reflecting on the Korean's late equaliser, Spence thought that England's opponents were good value for their point.

"Having the lead, I guess we are disappointed to have thrown it away," he added. "If we are honest, Korea deserved their point. I don't think we played to a level we would say is our peak. We didn't lose. That's important. You don't want to lose your first game."

England face New Zealand on Tuesday, a side who were thumped 7-0 by Brazil just hours after the Three Lions kicked off the tournament.

A win should guarantee a path through to the Second Round - the four best third-placed teams progress as well as the top two in each group - but Spence wants England to prove a point by achieving victory in style.

"We are at the World Cup, it's our first game for any of us at a World Cup and the first time for England at the World Cup at this level," he said.

"We just wanted to give a better account of ourselves."

Confidence should still be high, indeed they were playing in a European Championship Final only three months ago. However, it was the manner in which they reached that Euro showdown with Spain that England's players should be able to draw comfort from.

They looked down and out against Serbia in the final qualifying game, only to prevail, and they needed a win against Holland to reach the Semi-Finals, which they duly did.

"Against Serbia and Holland, we have produced twice, so there is no reason why we can't do it again," he said.

"When your back is against the wall it's a case of standing up and being counted. Three points is the order, whenever we have needed to do it in the past we have, so why not again? But we will respect New Zealand."

But like the rest of his England colleagues, Spence is enjoying himself.

"It was a great experience, playing for England always is, but to play for your country at a World Cup is special," he said.

"It's a proud moment to lead them out as captain in any game. It's a feeling you don't know until you experience it and I'd love to experience more of it during the tournament. We all have to be level headed. It's about the team. I have the armband but there are 11 players out there who have to contribute. We are a team who want to come out with the three points. Next time we will."

Korea DPR: 1 O Mun Song, 3 Ri Hyong Mu, 4 Kang Kuk Chol (8 Jong Il Ju, 68 mins), 5 Kang Chol Ryong, 6 Han Kyong Gwang, 7 Myong Cha Hyon, 9 Ri Sang Choi, 10 An Il Bom, 11 Pak Kwang Ryong (15 Rim Choi Min, 67 mins), 17 Ri Myong Jun (2 Sim Hyon, 57 mins), 20 O Jin Hyok.

Subs not used: 12 Pak Hyong Jin, 13 Pak Yu Il, 14 An Hyok Il, 16 An Pyong Jun, 18 Kim Jin Won, 19 Kang Kyong Hak, 21 Mun Jong Hyok.

Coach: An Ye Gun

Yellow cards: Jong Il Ju, 80 mins, Han Kyong Gwang, 90 mins.

England: 13 Alex Smithies, 2 Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi, 15 Jordan Spence, 5 Krystian Pearce, 6 Tom Smith (16 Gavin Hoyte, 71 mins) 14 Michael Woods, 4 Henri Lansbury (12 Daniel Gosling, 84 mins), 10 Victor Moses, 18 Jonathan Franks, 11 Nathan Porritt (17 Tristan Plummer, 73 mins), 9 Rhys Murphy.

Subs not used: 1 Jason Steele, 3 James Reid, 7 Daniel Welbeck, 8 Tom Taiwo, 19 Ashley Chambers, 20 Medy Elito, 21 Wesley Foderingham.

Coach: John Peacock

Yellow cards: Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi, 54 mins

Referee: Eddy Maillet (SEY)

Assistant referees: Evarist Menkouande (CMR) & Bechir Hassani (TUN)

Fourth Official: Jong Chul Kwon (KOR)