Cooper’s hard route to glory

know him best. “We are all so very proud of Steve and what he has done,” said Keith, 69.

“He has worked ever so hard for this opportunity. Not many people can say you have managed at a World Cup final.

“Coaching was always something he wanted to do when it didn’t work out for him as a professional at Wrexham.

“He had taken his coaching badges at 27 and has just kicked on from there.

“We’ve spoken to him and he knows everyone will be rooting for him and the England team.

“All of the family will be watching back home in Wales. Steve’s family – his wife Samantha and two young children – will be glued to the BBC in Wrexham.

“I will be working as part of the hospitality team at Cardiff’s home game with Millwall, but I will be making sure I get to watch it on my phone.

“It’s not something I would ever miss.” The 37-year-old played part-time in the Welsh League before cutting his teeth in coaching with Wrexham’s Under-11s and academy squad.

His tasks included driving the minibus and marking the pitches, before Cooper, below, headed to Liverpool where Rafa Benitez was in charge.

In 2014 took on the England Under-16 manager’s job before moving up an age group two years ago.

Keith said: “His job is to create players for Gareth Southgate for the future.

“And I think this England team have star quality. There is exceptional talent and a joy to watch, we have seen that in the tournament, and Steve knows that.”

After his hat-tricks in the quarter-finals against USA and the semi-finals against Brazil, the focus will once more be on Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster as he leads the line for England.

Kick off: TV: