Williams-Barnett scores sparkling brace at Under-17 World Cup

Luca Williams-Barnett scored twice – including a dazzling solo effort – to help England’s youngsters get up and running at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar on Friday.

After a 3-0 defeat to Venezuela in their opening group game on Tuesday, the Young Lions responded with an emphatic 8-1 defeat of Haiti.

A second-half substitute against Venezuela, attacking midfielder Luca came into the starting line-up and wasted no time in making an impact, firing his side ahead inside the opening minute from Reigan Heskey’s delivery.

But it was the 17-year-old’s second goal after the break that had everyone talking as he collected the ball just inside the area and exhibited some superb footwork to weave his way through a congested box before slotting home to make it 6-1.

A SIXTH FOR THE #YOUNGLIONS 😳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

And it's a SECOND for Spurs youngster, Lucá Williams-Barnett 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bZ5ZZkGGIR

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 7, 2025

Luca completed 79 minutes before being withdrawn, while defender Malachi Hardy was an unused substitute.

England’s other goals came from Chizaram Ezenwata (3), Heskey, Reggie Walsh and Alejandro Rodriguez. Franco Celestin briefly pulled one back for Haiti to make it 2-1 in the first half.

The Young Lions face Egypt on Monday (3.45pm UK) in their third and final group stage game.