Dom Solanke stars as stunning comeback takes England U20s into World Cup final
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Updated 08/06/2017 at 13:47 GMT
FIFA Under-20 World Cup semi-final, Jeonju Stadium, South Korea - Italy U20 1 (Orsolini 2) England U20 3 (Solanke 66, 88, Lookman 77)
England's forward Dominic Solanke (#10) celebrates his goal with teammates
Image credit: Getty Images
England reached their first World Cup final at any level since 1966 after mounting a superb comeback to beat Italy Under-20s 3-1 in the semi-finals in South Korea.
The Three Lions were behind after only two minutes when Juventus forward Riccardo Orsolini claimed his fifth goal of the tournament, sweeping the ball home following a quickly-taken free-kick.
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Highlights: England reach first World Cup final since 1966
But Paul Simpson’s men mounted a stirring comeback, particularly in the opening 20 minutes of the second half as they laid siege to the Italy goal, Dominic Solanke finally making the breakthrough when he turned the ball home after a cross from impact sub Sheyi Ojo had been poorly dealt with by the keeper.
England’s comeback was complete on 77 minutes and again Ojo was the supplier. Another cross from the right wreaked havoc in the box and sprightly Everton forward Ademola Lookman was ready to pounce as he slotted the ball under the keeper.
Solanke finished off the scoring with his fourth of the World Cup, firing home from outside the box with two minutes left and taking England into a meeting with Venezuela in the final on Sunday.
TALKING POINT
Can England really win the World Cup? For many of us, Sunday will be the first time England have been in a World Cup final in our lifetimes. Savour that fact. And best of all they are there on merit. This was quite simply a stunning performance from Paul Simpson's side as they responded to that early setback. With players of the quality of Lookman and Solanke, they have every chance of beating Venezuela in the final. World champions? It's got a nice ring to it...
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England's defender Kyle Walker-Peters, forward Dominic Solanke and forward Ademola Lookman celebrates a goal
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH
Dom Solanke (England): There were so many contenders. Ojo helped turn the game after his introduction; Lookman was top quality from start to finish; Lewis Cook overcame a difficult start to control things in midfield; but Solanke has to take the honours. He scored twice and orchestrated everything in attack - Liverpool have quite a talent on their hands as he prepares to arrive from Chelsea.
PLAYER RATINGS
Italy: Zaccagno 6, Scalera 5, Dimarco 6, Romagna 5, Coppolaro 5, Orsolini 7, Mandragora 5, Favilli 5, Pessina 5, Vitale 5, Panico 5. Subs: Vido 6, Ghiglione 6, Bifulco 6.
England: Woodman 6, Kenny 8, Tomori 7, Clarke-Salter 6, Walker-Peters 7, Cook 8, Maitland-Niles 6, Dowell 5, Solanke 8, Lookman 8, Calvert-Lewin 6. Subs: Ojo 8, Konsa N/A.
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England's players (white) celebrate their victory during the U-20 World Cup semi-final football match between England and Italy
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KEY MOMENTS
2’ - GOAL! Italy 1-0 England. It’s a well-constructed goal from Italy as Orsolini gets his fifth of the tournament. Italy take a quick free-kick, Favilli squares for his team-mate and the forward sweeps the ball home in lovely fashion.
42’ - ENGLAND GO CLOSE! Walker-Peters supplies the cross from the left wing, it’s a great delivery and Solanke jumps in front of his marker to get a glancing header on the ball. It drifts just wide of the far post.
59’ - ENGLAND HIT THE POST! Maitland-Niles touches a free-kick gently off to Ojo and he bends a lovely shot at goal which clips the outside of the post. England getting closer and closer…
61’ – ANOTHER HUGE CHANCE! Lovely feet from Lookman as he dummies and slips in a perfect ball for Ojo. He finds space and gets a low shot in but Zaccagno saves with his foot.
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Italy's midfielder Riccardo Orsolini (C) celebrates his goal with teammates
Image credit: Getty Images
GOAL! Italy 1-1 England! Solanke makes the breakthrough after 20 minutes of England pressure. Ojo delivered the cross and Zaccagno got a weak palm to the ball, directing it to Solanke who rolled the loose ball home.
77’ – GOAL! Italy 1-2 England! It’s Lookman and my does he deserve it. He grabs his third of the World Cup. It’s Ojo, again, with the cross and as four people challenge for the ball in the air it drops perfectly for Lookman, who slots his shot under the keeper.
88’ - GOAL! Italy 1-3 England! Solanke with his second goal of the game! He takes aim from 20 yards and the keeper should do much better with his firm but saveable effort.
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Venezuela beat Uruguay in penalty drama to reach U20 final
KEY STATS
- Prior to this tournament, England had not won in 17 matches at Under-20 World Cups stretching back to 1997.
- On Sunday, England will play in their second ever World Cup final at any level of football.
THE MATCH IN A TWEET
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