KINGS OF THE WORLD
After so many false starts, this generation can finally succeed in the man-size task of keeping Three Lions on top of the world
GARETH SOUTHGATE congratulated England’s young World Cup heroes – then pleaded for them to be given a chance at club level.
The England manager sent a video message to Under-20s boss Paul Simpson and his side as they beat Venezuela 1-0 in the final in South Korea and hopes some of them will now graduate to senior level.
But Southgate also insisted they should get a chance in the Premier League after proving themselves on the world stage.
He said: “It’s brilliant for all the players and all the staff there. It’s a great achievement
THREE LIONS 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 and it doesn’t mean we are less capable.
“We have proved we are as good as any country and hopefully there will be opportunities for the lads next season.
“I have had a taste of it last season with Everton and I just want to show I am capable of playing regularly next term.”
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 great pride that it shows the set-up at 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.
Southgate has sent his congratulations to the squad in South Korea and the final attracted a huge audience live on the BBC.
Calvert-Lewin (left) added: “We knew Venezuela were going to be a good, strong, physical team, but we knew, if we brought our game to the party, we would have more than them.
“In the second-half, they came with a flourish but we kept on digging in. We were in a World Cup final so you have to give everything.
“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 with my shot the first time, to be honest. I just anticipated the keeper parrying the ball away and tried to keep my composure and managed to put it away.
“The feeling was just relief when I scored. I can’t remember what I did – ran to the corner flag and hit it, I think, but then all the lads came over.”