Woodman hailed by World Cup-winning U20s
Skipper Lewis Cook hailed keeper Freddie Woodman as England won the Under-20 World Cup for the first time.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged the only goal of the final against Venuzuela in Suwon, South Korea, before Newcastle keeper Woodman saved a 74th-minute penalty to ensure yesterday’s victory.
Jake Clarke-Salter was adjudged to have fouled dangerman Adalberto Penaranda in the box, but Woodman – who spent the second half of the season on loan at Kilmarnock – dived to his right and stretched out his left arm to keep out Penaranda’s penalty.
“I was always confident in Fred, so I was looking at him and willing him on,” said Bournemouth midfielder Cook. “He’s a wonderful keeper and a great lad so I’m just happy for him. He fully deserves it, he works so hard so I’m delighted for him.”
Everton’s Calvert-Lewin did well for his winning goal. He rose to take down Cook’s free-kick and fired in a halfvolley which was only parried back to him, and he duly tucked home the loose ball.
“It’s unbelievable, it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s the best day of my life by far,” said Cook, after he hoisted the trophy. “I’m so proud of all the lads and the staff.
“It’s been wonderful to be here in Korea, everybody has been so friendly so to top it off with a win, it’s been amazing and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Match-winner CalvertLewin hopes England’s the squad will be able to get more Premier League minutes under their belts next season.
“Hopefully there will be opportunities for the lads next season,” said CalvertLewin. “I have had a taste of it last season with Everton and I just want to show I am capable of playing regularly next season.”
On the penalty, the Everton prospect said: “Thankfully Freddie saved the penalty. I was watching through my fingers from the halfway line and it was an incredible moment.
“It was a big, big moment that helped turn the game.
“I probably should have scored the first time. I just anticipated the keeper parrying the ball away and tried to keep my composure and managed to put it away.
“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.”
Coach Paul Simpson, the former Manchester City forward, admitted: “It wasn’t our best performance – we really had to battle in the second half. There was so much pressure and the players defended for their lives. I suppose to win the World Cup you have to do that.
“After the semi-final, I said there couldn’t be a prouder Englishman anywhere in the world. But I’ve topped that. I can’t believe the feeling of pride I’ve got and I know that’s the same for the players.”