Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Wee Lions on top of the world
GOAL hero Dominic Calvert-lewin put England on top of the world – then claimed they are ready to become the new golden generation. The 20-year-old Everton forward became only the third Englishman to score in a World Cup final following Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters in 1966. England’s Under-20s overcame Venezuela in a dramatic final and Calvertlewin believes it can signal the start of big things for the next generation. He said: “It is hard to put into words what that feeling is like when the referee blew the final whistle. “We have wanted this so much that to come back to England as part of a select few who have won the World Cup means everything. “To be one of only three Englishman to have scored in a World Cup final is amazing. Obviously this is the pinnacle of what we can do in this age group. “We have proved we are the best team in the world at this age group. “Hopefully there will be opportunities for the lads next season. I have had a taste of it with Everton and I want to show I am capable of playing regularly.” England Under-20s boss Paul Simpson, born four days before the World Cup final in 1966, has led the youngsters to glory and the FA will take pride that it shows St George’s Park is reaping rewards. Striker Dominic Solanke, who has taken a pay cut to move from Chelsea to Liverpool in search of more first-team opportunities, was voted Player of the Tournament. Newcastle keeper Freddie Woodman, 20 – whose godfather is Gareth Southgate – was another hero after saving a penalty. But the hope now is that many of this blossoming generation will get their chance in the Premier League to kickstart their England careers with the seniors.