Young Lions manage World Cup win as England finally lift the top trophy
MORE THAN half a century since Sir Alf Ramsey’s team lifted the trophy in 1966 – England have finally done it again.
And there is hope for the future as it was the Young Lions who won their biggest international title in five decades by beating Venezuela 1-0 in the Under-20 World Cup final.
This was England’s first appearance in the final of a global tournament since their World Cup victory 51 years ago.
And it was former Sheffield United striker Dominic CalvertLewin who fired home the only goal for Paul Simpson’s young squad. Everton’s Calvert-Lewin scored the game’s only goal after 35 minutes while a second-half penalty save from Newcastle goalkeeper Woodman preserved England’s 1-0 lead and ensured they became world champions.
A frantic finale saw England hang on to lift the trophy, surpassing their previous best at the Under-20 World Cup which was a third place finish in 1993.
The event is the biggest global tournament in youth football and has helped launch the career of a number of big names in football.
Barcelona forward Messi was in the Argentina team that won the 2005 event, while Portuguese great Figo inspired his country to victory in the 1989 and 1991 competitions.
England’s team in 2013 – the last time they competed in the event – featured Ross Barkley, John Stones, Harry Kane and Eric Dier.