England have reached their first World Cup final appearance at any level since 1966 after manager Paul Simpson guided his Under-20s side to a 3-1 victory over Italy in the semi-finals in Jeonju.
Here, we look at the five players that have stood out for England at the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea.
LEWIS COOK | BOURNEMOUTH
The England captain has led the team by example on their way to Sunday’s final against Venezuela. The Bournemouth midfielder’s composure in possession has been the catalyst for many of the Young Lions’ attacks and he has laid on three assists in the tournament so far as well as scoring in the 1-1 draw against Guinea in the group stages.
Cook’s tough-tackling style differs from the flair players in the forward line but he is an important component of the England set-up, and someone who has already tasted international success with the Under-17s at the 2014 European Championship.
DOMINIC SOLANKE | LIVERPOOL
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be licking his lips at the performances of new recruit Solanke as the frontman leads England”s scoring charts in the competition.
The 19-year-old has swapped Premier League champions Chelsea for Anfield this summer and he has also marked his authority on the England side with four goals in South Korea, including the match-winner against Mexico in the quarter-finals and two against Italy in the last four – that despite playing in an unfamiliar number 10 position. Solanke was also part of the Under-17 European Championship-winning team in 2014.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN | EVERTON
The Everton winger has been vital to England’s run to the final with three goals so far. However, it has been his flair and pace that has been the thorn in all the defences he has faced with his positive, attacking wing play proving beneficial to Simpson’s system.
After being an unused substitute in the opening group match, Lookman has started every game en route to the final in Suwon and he scored both goals in the 2-1 victory against Costa Rica in the last 16.
JONJOE KENNY | EVERTON
Alongside Cook and Solanke, the Everton defender was also part of the Under-17 European Championship-winning team in Malta and has progressed to become an important member of the Under-21 set-up.
Kenny has started every match in South Korea, one of only four England players to do so, with his outstanding work-rate and defensively capabilities helping Simpson’s side keep three clean sheets from their six matches. He has also had a hand in the attacking third with three assists.
SHEYI OJO | LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool man has been a bit-part player in the tournament so far but he had a massive part in the semi-final win over Italy. England were trailing 1-0 when Ojo replaced Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell in the 54th minute but the 19-year-old made an instant impact by setting up the Young Lions’ first two goals to turn the match around.
The link-up with Kenny on the right severely limited Italy’s attack and his contribution to the victory could land him a starting place in the final.
Provided by Press Association
