Neil Dewsnip rued the misfortune of his England Under-17s team after defeat to Brazil, but remains adamant their mentality will see them advance in the FIFA World Cup.
The Young Lions head coach and his side were left frustrated after Leandro’s free-kick condemned them to a 1-0 reverse against the Samba Boys on Tuesday. The initial foul going against striker Kazaiah Sterling when it might have been awarded to Dewsnip's side.
The result leaves England on one point after their opening two group matches in Chile.
South Korea v England
FIFA Under-17s World Cup
Group B
Friday 23 October
Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo
Live on Eurosport 2
However, victory against the already qualified Taegeuk Warriors would almost certainly ensure a spot in the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed nations. They could still possibly seal second spot behind the South Koreans.
And Dewsnip is pleased that his side’s fate is in their own hands heading into the clash.
“We performed really well and I’m so proud of the players, so nothing’s changed really as we still need to beat South Korea,” Dewsnip told TheFA.com.
“The players don’t deserve the bad luck they have had. Having watched the free-kick back, Kazaiah Sterling is the man who was fouled, not the Brazilian player, so that was unfortunate.
“And then going back to the first game, the Guinean goalkeeper should have been sent off after bringing Stephy Mavididi down when he was the last man.
"We know what a tough job referees have, but we’ve had two cases of bad luck with decisions that could have changed the games and maybe we are due a bit of good fortune.
“But that’s all in the past, and now we know if we score a couple of goals and get the victory in our last game then we stand a good chance of progressing.”
HIGHLIGHTS England 0-1 Brazil
Despite the setback against Brazil, the mood within the Young Lions' base in La Serena is positive.
“The camp is still upbeat, and of course they were down after the game, but they know they have played very well,” continued the former Everton academy manager.
“They have a fantastic spirit about them, they’re very resilient, and they will be ready.
“Our destiny is still in our own hands, which is very important. We know we don’t have to rely on anyone else, we just have to go out there and win, which we all firmly believe we are capable of.”
Dewsnip and his team now have two days to prepare for their decisive meeting with South Korea, and despite their opponents already securing a place in the last-16, England will be expecting a tough test in Coquimbo on Friday evening.
“Some people might think they will rest some of their players having qualified, but whether they do or don’t, we will prepare to beat the best they can offer,” added Dewsnip.
“We will be preparing properly to ensure we play the best we can as we do always, and hopefully with that bit of luck that has perhaps been missing, we will progress.”
