READING FC Academy star Danny Loader scored twice as England defeated Iraq 4-0 to maintain their perfect start to the Under 17 World Cup in India.

The 17-year-old striker had been an unused substitute for England’s opening victories against Chile and Mexico.

But he put himself in the frame for the knockout stages of the tournament with a superb display in Kolkata last night when he became the first Reading player to get on the pitch for England in a World Cup match.

Loader was involved in the build-up to England’s first goal scored by Manchester United’s Angel Gomes.

England failed to double their lead from the spot when a Jadon Sancho spot-kick was saved.

But it didn’t take long to build on their advantage as Emile Smith-Rowe fired home from a Gomes assist.

It was then Loader’s turn to get in on the act as he put England 3-0 up just after the hour mark.

Collecting Steven Sessegnon’s pass, Loader rounded the Iraq keeper with ease before slotting into the net for his first goal of the competition.

And Loader’s second of the game arrived soon after when he timed his run perfectly before collecting Sessengnon’s through-ball and finding the net again.


It was a proud moment for Reading-born Loader, who joined the club from Wycombe Wanderers when he was 13-years-old.

Royals Academy Manager Lee Herron said: “It is fantastic to see Danny making great strides in an international tournament.

“It is further proof that our Category 1 Academy is able to develop players who are capable of performing on the biggest stage.

“We continue to make history and scale new heights. Everyone at Reading is following Danny’s progress out in India, and we all wish Danny and England the very best for the knock-out stages.”

Loader will be hoping to keep his place in the England side when they take on Japan in their first knock-out game tomorrow (Tuesday, 3pm ko UK time).