Rhian Brewster is one match away from playing in a World Cup final.

Still just 17 years of age, the Academy striker has made good on his intentions before journeying out to India with England for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

The disappointment of his previous international tournament, a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat in the European Championship showpiece at the same age level in May, clearly remained raw as he told Liverpoolfc.com of his ambition to emulate Reds teammates Ovie Ejaria, Sheyi Ojo and Dominic Solanke – U20 champions in the summer.

And, so far so good.

Brewster bagged one goal as Steve Cooper’s side breezed through the group stage with successive victories over Chile, Mexico and Iraq.

A tense goalless draw with Japan in the last 16 was settled from the penalty spot and the Reds youngster provided evidence of his character by dispatching his kick, having missed from 12 yards in that aforementioned Euro decider.

And the quarter-final with USA on Saturday was all about the teenager.

Brewster opened the scoring on 11 minutes in Goa, soon doubled England’s lead with a delicate dink over the goalkeeper, set up his team’s third for Morgan Gibbs White, and sealed a memorable hat-trick with a stoppage-time penalty.

He intends to get the match ball signed and framed. A permanent memento, no matter what happens in the remainder of the competition.

“It was a fantastic day for me,” he told FIFA.com afterwards. “Somehow everything came together. Obviously, I hope that continues, but this match is a massive highlight in my career.

“I’m not a big, strong centre-forward. So I always try to use my speed to my advantage.”

Caveated by his tentative years, of course, it has been an encouraging career to date.

Brewster has wasted no time in making an impression at the Academy and his talent ensured the rise through the ranks was rapid.

Scoring goals regularly at U23 level does a budding star’s reputation nothing but good and the forward’s penchant for doing so attracted attention from Melwood.

Indeed, Jürgen Klopp was sufficiently impressed to name Brewster on the substitutes’ bench when the first team hosted Crystal Palace at Anfield in April.

“I get on with my teammates at Liverpool and when I’ve trained with the first team, they’ve always welcomed me and it’s been good,” the young man explained to TheFA.com.

“I’ve trained with Jürgen Klopp a few times and he’s a real character. He’s been good and happy towards me, so I’m hoping to prove that when I go back, as well as at this tournament, I can be with the first team.”

For now, that can wait. Next up at the U17 World Cup is a semi-final showdown against Brazil on Wednesday afternoon. The penultimate obstacle to Brewster’s stated objective: success.

“Whoever we play, we fear nobody,” he said. “[The U20s’] achievement is obviously an inspiration for us. Now, we want to emulate that.”