Luton defender Joe Johnson was part of the side that beat Iran with a late Joel Ndala winner saw the Young Lions come from behind to make it two victories out of two in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, sealing a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
The Hatter became the first player from the club to represent England at a World Cup since Syd Owen in 1954. Having been an unused sub in the tournament-opening 9-0 thrashing of New Caledonia – the country’s record scoreline in this competition – the 17-year-old was handed a start against Iran. It was his first since appearing in Town’s 1-0 League Cup defeat at Exeter City in September.
But Iran, fresh from beating Brazil, took the lead on the half hour mark when Abolfazi Zamani headed in from a corner.
England levelled on 63 minutes when substitute Reiss Russell-Denny (Chelsea), who had been on the pitch less than five minutes, found the bottom corner.
Luton ace Johnson was replaced on 76 minutes by Southampton’s Jayden Meghoma and then in the 90th minute Manchester City’s Ndala converted a wonderful curling finish from a tight angle to seal three points.
The victory kept England at the top of Group C, three points ahead of Iran and Brazil, and booked a place in the next stage ahead of their final pool game against the South Americans on Friday.
