KOLKATTA: Rhian Brewster scored a hat-trick as England reached the FIFA World Under-17 Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 win against the United States in Goa.

The Liverpool forward scored twice in the opening 14 minutes. The first was a reactive volley after Phil Foden’s cross was palmed into Brewster’s path. Manchester City’s Foden set up the second with a pass down the right, Brewster coming inside and slipping the ball over the advancing US keeper.

Steve Cooper’s side were fortunate to hold onto that lead, with the US dominating much of the half, hitting the bar through the prolific Josh Sargent and forcing England keeper Curtis Anderson into making crucial saves.

Brewster still, though, could have had a first-half treble. He set up Morgan Gibbs-White for the third with a cross midway through the second half.

Sargent, who scored for the US at this year’s Under-20 World Cup, pulled a goal back in the 71st minute. Brewster completed his treble with a penalty, the last kick of the game, after he was brought down by Sergino Dest, who was sent off.

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