'England has improved since Euro final'

In a repeat of the Euro U-17 final, Spain and England will square off against each other in the summit clash of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Saturday.

In the Euro U-17 final, Spain might have defeated England to claim the top honours but coach Denia is wary of the much- improved Young Lions, who looked the most threatening side in the ongoing tournament so far.

"I believe England have improved in every aspect of the game. It is clear that they are defensively much better while offensively their record — 18 goals from six matches — speak for themselves," Denia told a press conference on the eve of the final at Eden Gardens here.

"They have improved not only with the ball but they do know how to play transition football," he said while crediting England coach Steve Cooper. "Steve has handpicked players to come here and he knows very well how to play them. He has accomplished what he was looking for," Denia added. It will be a repeat of the Euro U-17 final in Croatia when Spain beat England 4-1 on penalties after both the teams were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Both the teams will be eyeing their maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup title as England made the final for the first time, while Spain have failed at the last hurdle three times earlier (1991, 2003 and 2007). "We have not won this title yet. We have had several good former players who have not been able to win it but we have a chance tomorrow (Saturday)," Denia said.