LIVERPOOL midfielder Conor Coady played a captain’s role but England under-20s fell victim to a sucker punch as they only drew 2-2 in their first game of the FIFA U20 World Cup against Iraq in Turkey last night.

The Three Lions – which also featured Coady’s Anfield team-mate Jon Flanagan and Everton duo Ross Barkley and John Lundstram – were 2-0 up in Group E clash at the Akdeniz Stadium in Antalya thanks to goals from Coady and Luke Williams.

But Iraq reduced the deficit from through Ali Faez’s penalty. Then in injury time Ali Adnan grabbed an equaliser.

England under-20s now face Chile in their second Group E game on Wednesday (kick-off 4pm) also in Antalya.

Chile U20s started with a victory, beating Egypt U20s with goals in either half from Nicolas Castillo 25 and Chrisian Bravo 76.

Coady believes that players in the prestigious tournament will provide a great experience for himself and all the England squad.

He said: “For every player here, not just from England but from every country, it’s going to be a learning curve for them.

“You won’t do this every day in your life, play against players from around the world.

“I think every player will benefit from this and become a better player.

“We just want to get as far as possible in the tournament and that’s what we’re looking for.”