England are into the U17 World Cup quarterfinals after defeating Syria in their knockout match yesterday 3-1.

Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury's penalty had given them the lead in the 17'th minute.

After that England failed to produce their best form but a Krystian Pearce effort on the stroke of half-time briefly settled nerves.

That lasted just six minutes, though, as Ziad Ajouz pounced after 51 minutes to put his side back in the hunt.

John Peacock's side then showed their battling qualities to fire home a third, from the boot of the recalled Rhys Murphy, and restore the two-goal cushion after 62 minutes.

Syria hit back with some good attacking football in the closing stages but England, led by West Ham's Jordan Spence, held firm to progress to the last eight.