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Lewis Cook leads England under-20s to World Cup final

Written by Iain Pearce

England have reached the FIFA U20s World Cup final for the first time.

Lewis Cook lead his England under-20s to the final in South Korea after a magnificent 3-1 win over Italy in the semi-finals.

The last-four win propels the Three Lions to Sunday’s World Cup final, where Venezuela lie in wait in the 11am (GMT) kick off.

Italy’s Riccardo Orsolini gave England an uphill challenge with a second-minute strike in Jeonju and while Cook’s Three Lions responded well to the setback, they trailed at the break.

However, all changed in the second 45 as England came back to reach their first World Cup final at any age level since the famous triumph of 1966.

Dominic Solanke levelled the tie, Ademola Lookman nudged England in front and Solanke’s late long-range effort made it three for his side to confirm their final place.

As he has throughout the tournament, Cherries midfielder Cook captained the side and anchored the midfield to within 90 minutes of a global triumph.

Elsewhere, Venezuela needed a last-gasp leveller and then penalty kicks to get beyond a determined Uruguay in the day’s other semi-final.

The two sides will now square up at Suwon World Cup Stadium on Sunday, both looking for a maiden triumph in the competition. The game will be live on Eurosport 2.