Spain's U17's Aiming To Make History As They Face England U17's In World Cup Final

One of the great conveyer belts in European football continues to roll on, and on Saturday it’s up to England to bring it to a halt.

The ever productive Spanish assembly line has produced plenty of gems over the years, and the current Under-17 crop are no different. In fact, the generation 2000 are one of the most highly rated in many years. Largely made up of Barcelona and Real Madrid players, it’s expected that the majority of players in this group will go on to achieve great things. They are seen as another golden generation and one that can continue to make sure Spain are the forefront of world football for many years to come.

With a U-17 European Championship already in the bag, won this past May ironically against England in the final, history is beckoning for Spain and it’s word being used more often in the camp. Incredibly, they’ve never won this title at U-17 level and victory in Kolkata would be their first ever. It might seem hard to believe given the incredible amount of young players that have come through over the years, but they’ve always fell at the final hurdle.

The Spanish have won two European crowns at U-17 level - and no fewer than six at U-16 level -  the world title in the age group has always eluded them. They were runners-up in 1991 and even 2003 with a team including Cesc Fabregas and David Silva. It was the same in 2007 while in 2013 they only managed third-place. There is a degree of pressure on this group to deliver this time around - and they’re certainly capable.

After opening up the tournament with a loss to Brazil, the young Spanish team have gone unbeaten and scored fourteen goals in the process while conceding just three. At times they’ve been cagey, perhaps due to coach Santi Denia favouring a more reserved approach in games. Since leaving the group stages they’ve opened up a bit however and become more ambitious and expansive. This was the best solution given the attacking power Spain possesses at the tournament, led by captain Abel Ruiz.

The young striker has already caused waves at Barcelona with his goalscoring achievements and he’s replicated them with Spain, as his 24 goals make him the all-time leader at this level. He leads the team admirably from the front, not only demanding more from his teammates but also busting a gut himself in attack. He’s quick, strong and a lethal finisher with only England starlet Rhian Brewster ahead of him in the goalscoring charts here.

“It’s a wonderful challenge ahead of us and we want to make history,” said Abel, looking ahead to what many in the camp feel is their destiny.

He’s not alone up front however, as he’s backed by a stellar cast. A Barça teammate, Sergio Gómez is hardworking, gifted winger who likes to drift inside and turn playmaker. His vicious strike against Mali in the semi-final is a goal of the tournament contender. César Gelabert wasn’t a starter initially but has worked himself into the team and become invaluable. His smart movement and close control opens up defences, and creates space for others. Then there is Ferrán Torres, tipped by many to be the next big Spanish superstar. From Valencia’s academy, he’s a tall winger with searing pace and lethal in one versus one situations. England will need to stick tight to Torres, who has a new deal at his club waiting for him with a £25m release clause, more than any other player.

Moha of Real Madrid has been an understated performer in India meanwhile. The midfielder of Moroccan origin has characteristics of Fabregas in terms of how he associates with all areas of midfield and looks to time his runs to perfection when joining the attack. Mateu Morey must be mentioned too, a full-back from Barça who was the subject of a tug-of-war with Real Madrid when he had barely entered his teens. He’s incredibly confident on the ball and his forays from defence support the attack superbly.

England certainly have revenge on their mind following the defeat back in May, but Spain believe they have a date with history. The squad has a WhatsApp group following their U-17 European Championship success and it’s called ‘Campeones de Europa’ (Champions of Europe).

On Saturday they might have to add in ‘World’.