Young Blues win U20 World Cup for England!

Sunday, 11 June, 2017 192comments  |  Jump to most recent
KIM DOO-HO/AFP/Getty Images
England and the band of Everton players who have been integral to their progress pulled off a tremendous U20 World Cup Final win in South Korea on the back of Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first-half goal.

Thanks in large part to the defensive brilliance of Jonjoe Kenny and the creativity and goals from Kieran Dowell, Ademola Lookman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Paul Simpson's side became the first England team to make a World Cup final when they beat Italy.

And they became the first Lions side to earn the status of best in the world when they beat the highly-talented South Americans in an open but keenly-contested match with the help of Freddie Woodman's second-half penalty save.

With four of the five Blues players in the starting XI, England began in impressive fashion, exhibiting a calm passing and possession game that eventually led to Lookman forcing the first save of the game with a powerful drive that Fariñez parried away at full stretch.

At the other end, Lucena almost embarrassed Woodman with a wicked free kick that came back off the post but it was England who broke the deadlock 10 minutes before half time.

Calvert-Lewin rose higher than his marker to bring down Lewis Cook's free kick and while his first shot was parried by Fariñez, the Everton striker coolly slotted home the rebound.

Calvert-Lewin almost stole in for a second but couldn't toe it past the 'keeper shortly before the break.

Venezuela imposed themselves much more in the second period as they went in search of an equaliser but they were almost buried by Josh Onomah who thundered an excellent shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Their gilt-edged chance came later in the half, though, when Clarke-Salter was adjudged to have fouled Peñaranda in the box and the South American striker picked himself up to take the spot kick.

He was denied by an excellent one-handed stop from Woodman, however, and the England 'keeper was on hand in the last minute to finger-tip the ball wide after Clarke-Salter had almost sliced into his own net.

Simpson's side held out through six minutes of stoppage time to claim the trophy in a historic first.

Four of Everton's five England U20 players celebrate with the club's flag after the whistle

“Words can't describe right now what I'm feeling, I'm just trying to take it all in,” Calvert-Lewin said after the Young Lions had been handed the trophy.

“I was knackered from the celebration but, honestly, words just can't describe it all.

“It means everything. It's what you dream of as a kid, playing for your country and winning a World Cup.”

 

Reader Comments (192)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer


Mike Gaynes
1 Posted 11/06/2017 at 06:35:28
COYBY!!!!

(Come On You Blue Youngsters!)

I saw Venezuela dominate Germany, Mexico and the US. They are unquestionably the best side in the tournament. But we all know the best side doesn't always win.

Predicting another Lookman goal.

Paul Kossoff
2 Posted 11/06/2017 at 06:42:39
Sitting up in bed with a really nasty cough, one of those that has the added bonus a of an exploding head when you're coughing. I hope the young blues win this to cheer me up. We even have a jockey in the side who will be joining the neighbours next season from Chelsea, so the other lot will claim a World Cup win as belonging to them and them alone.

Hopefully this tournament will be a kick-start for Jonjoe Kenny, Kieran Dowell, Ademola Lookman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the coming season. Save us a few Bob if that lot are in the first team.

Well I'm not getting any luck with sleep as the bleeding cackling Geordies are in my garden (Magpies). Coyb!😇😇😇

Brian Porter
3 Posted 11/06/2017 at 07:09:56
Wishing the England youngsters, and especially the Everton contingent, the best of luck today.

They certainly can't do any worse than the senior side at Hampden Park last night. Apart from Kane, who I ranked just slightly above average, if I had to rate the rest of Southgate's team, most would be rated barely average, with Smalling, Livermore, Lallana and Alli totally crap on the night.

For most of the game we were completely dominated in midfield by a second rate Scottish midfield. Lallana, with a free headed and time and space to control and shoot to make the game safe at 1-0, managed a weak header over the bar that had Glen Hoddle screaming that he HAD to at least hit the target from there. And these guys get paid millions of pounds a year!

Carragher couldn't understand why Ross Barkley wasn't in the squad as we were crying out for someone with his ability in the second half. Take that as you will, but that comment could be taken to show just how mediocre England were on the night. All praise to Scotland for a truly spirited second half display.

Here's hoping our Under 20s can show the fat cat millionaires how to do it today. Looking forward to watching the game.

Paul Kossoff
4 Posted 11/06/2017 at 07:15:12
Totally agree, Brian, really poor England side. Kane was below average until he scored the equaliser as most of the side were. It would be fantastic to see some of our young blues in that squad. You will see a return to the England set up for Ross if he goes to the likes of Man City.
Alexander Murphy
5 Posted 11/06/2017 at 07:41:28
Can't watch this unfortunately as I have two callouts to attend to. And I'm really disappointed because I'd love to see these young players, especially our Blues.

Best of luck, would be great to see the U20 World Cup at Goodison Park held aloft by our future heroes.

Derek Knox
6 Posted 11/06/2017 at 08:27:24
I won't be able to watch either as I am going to a Christening, but believe it is on Eurosport 2 for anyone who can get it.

However, I will be rooting for the blue contingency to do well, well I suppose for them all, but especially our talented representatives.

Hope to see more of these lads integrated into the first team as we have more competitions this year coming.

Dave Abrahams
7 Posted 11/06/2017 at 08:35:55
Best of luck to all the young lads today, I hope they come home with the cup and I hope this is just the beginning of great careers for the five Everton boys in the English squad.
Ray Roche
8 Posted 11/06/2017 at 08:53:24
Derek, it's also on BBC 2.
Colin Glassar
9 Posted 11/06/2017 at 08:55:16
Completely split down the middle on this one. Wife and kids Venezuelan born, I always support England but I have to try and appear neutral to save my neck.

Fuck it. Come on England!! Come on you blue boys!!

Phil Sammon
10 Posted 11/06/2017 at 09:04:38
Anyone know if it's on in Australia? Unlikely, I know.
Kenn Crawford
11 Posted 11/06/2017 at 09:11:02
Yes, Phil, I would like the same info; has anyone got a feed?
Frank Wade
12 Posted 11/06/2017 at 09:33:00
Can't watch this one as I have an appointment with the golf links, but for those looking for links, this page has a link if you scroll down past the senior games. Link

Hope our blue boys do well.

Dave Williams
13 Posted 11/06/2017 at 09:53:07
Driving home from The Cotswolds after posting this so won't see it. Great to see our boys contributing so much to the team and Kenny must have nailed a place in the pre-season games to show Ron if he can fit in with our first team back four.

Some of these boys could save us a fortune in years to come and how good is it to see Lookman come good!

�ystein Heggelund
14 Posted 11/06/2017 at 10:20:50
Kenny, Lookman, Dowell and Calwert-Lewin all start. COYB!
Keith Edmunds
15 Posted 11/06/2017 at 10:38:43
Phil Salmon. Live stream the World Game in Oz.
Chris Williams
16 Posted 11/06/2017 at 10:58:16
Watching on BBC2 as no Red Shite involvement.

Nice to see a bigger crowd.

Colin Glassar
17 Posted 11/06/2017 at 10:58:21
Pre-game analysis all about Solanke. I wonder why?
Keith Edmunds
18 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:08:12
The world game not working for me. Live stream anyone?
Colin Glassar
19 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:10:31
Lookman looks real class.
Chris Williams
20 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:23:29
Starting to knock on the door a bit...
Mark Morrissey
21 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:25:31
Can't believe that shower yesterday got in excess of £10,000 each for that performance against Scotland and today the U20s get sod all money for playing in the World Cup Final?!?

Our boys are doing us proud. C'mon you Blues!

Nigel Munford
22 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:30:02
Keith, it's on BBC 2.
Colin Glassar
23 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:33:55
Dowell is having a really poor game.
Sam Hoare
24 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:34:45
Calvert-Lewin!!!
Iain Thomson
25 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:35:23
So weird being Scottish and celebrating England scoring in a World Cup Final but oh well...
Chris Williams
26 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:04
1-0

Just about deserved.

The way these are running about, they could be buggered by 70 minutes.

Colin Glassar
27 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:05
Well done, Dominic.
Paul Kelly
28 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:19
Oh yes, all on his own, cursing nobody following up his initial challenge, did he need anyone? Did he fook!
Jimmy Salt
29 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:26
I noticed the Solanke love-in, Collin. Bet they're squirming now.
Sam Hoare
30 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:27
I haven't rated Dominic Calvert-Lewin hugely in matches I've watched but that goal demonstrated his persistence and work ethic. Perhaps why Koeman likes him...
Brian Cleveland
31 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:38
Colin, I was surprised Dowell started given that Ojo played so well when he came on the other day. I thought he deserved a start today.
Peter Gorman
32 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:36:44
Well in, young Dom. Colin, 'poor' is a bit harsh on Dowell mate but he is definitely playing within his shell. For a player of his talent, I hope to see him rise to the occasion but, so far, so safe.
Tom Bowers
33 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:37:24
Come on you Everton English!!

Well done, Calvert-Lewin.

Dean Adams
34 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:38:05
Well done, Dom! 😜
Paul Kelly
35 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:38:10
Persistence was the quality shown then. Some forwards like to throw their hands up or point. Only some...
Ajay Gopal
36 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:38:50
BBC2 not available in India :-(

Any other live streaming links, please?

Paul Kelly
37 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:41:13
Lookman through the middle, different player.
George Cumiskey
38 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:44:48
Ajay @36, it's on Sports Devil is LS Hunter stream.
Sam Hoare
39 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:46:56
Lookman and Kenny have probably been England's two best players at this competition. The centre-backs and Onamah perhaps coming close.
Iain Thomson
40 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:47:32
I hope we have been scouting this tournament
Peter Gorman
41 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:47:46
Wish I could help, Ajay. Where is Jay Wood when you need him.

Try using a spoof VPN maybe and get it on the BBC.

Chris Williams
42 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:48:21
Did I hear the commentator say they hadn't conceded in 90 minutes so far?
Iain Thomson
43 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:49:44
Chris. Yeah that's true.
Keith Edmunds
44 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:51:18
Nigel (#22). BBC 2 not in Oz, but the World Game working well now.
Steve Cotton
45 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:57:33
I think Solanke is still a Chelsea player until 1st July isn't he??
Colin Glassar
46 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:58:30
Same here, Peter, but his passing and decision-making has been poor imo.
Joe Foster
47 Posted 11/06/2017 at 11:59:26
Everton 1 – Venezuela 0
Paul Dewhurst
48 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:01:33
AJay Gopal – I'm using Frank's Link (#12) – working a charm. If not, try myp2p or VIPleague.
Derek Thomas
49 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:02:27
Cricfree is okay.
Ajay Gopal
50 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:04:29
Okay, got a link for the 2nd half :-)

http://www.sonyliv.com/details/show/5439344313001/2017-FIFA-U-20-World-Cup,-Korea-Republic-

Andrew Keatley
51 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:08:24
This game is passing Dowell by, and it might end up costing England.
Sam Hoare
52 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:11:46
Let's get Soteldo. Tiny Venezuelan sub who just played one of the best passes I've seen all year!
Chris Williams
53 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:12:36
Yes, not working for Dowell.

These going for it, but they have to. Their sub looks lively.

Charlie Lloyd
54 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:13:44
Saw the England U20s several years ago; a certain striker called Kane was very average. I remember thinking there was no way he'd make it in the Premier League!

I'm not saying Calvert-Lewin is exactly like Kane but there are similarities to their game. Plus Calvert-Lewin is showing up pretty sound to date.

Kenny & Lookman have been steady without being outstanding up to now. Feel Dowell needs to do a bit more. But that's what he's capable of. That sudden sublime moment.

Colin Glassar
55 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:15:28
I don't want to pick on Dowell but him and Solanke look a bit out of their depth today.
Kim Vivian
56 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:17:33
This match should have a live forum running.
Andrew Keatley
57 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:17:54
If Penaranda goes down when Dowell sticks his leg out there then it could have been a pen. He needs to come off.
Mark Morrissey
58 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:18:19
Yeferson Soteldo plays midfield for Chilean club Huachipato. Get on the phone, Steve Walsh, he's dynamite. Reminds me of Georgi Kinkladze.
Andrew Keatley
59 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:18:23
And he has. Phew.
Brian Cleveland
60 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:18:27
Ojo should have played from the start I think...
Charlie Lloyd
61 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:18:58
No surprise, Colin.

Not really happened for Dowell today plus the yellow card as well.

Still, he started a World Cup Final today so well done to the lad.

Andrew Keatley
62 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:21:26
I've been really impressed with Calvert-Lewin's movement in this tournament.
Colin Glassar
63 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:22:16
Calvert-Lewin has been our best player so far.
Andrew Keatley
64 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:23:17
Crikey... the afterburners on Ojo!
Brian Cleveland
65 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:26:23
Is it me or is the English physio a leprechaun?
Colin Glassar
66 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:27:10
Lookman has gone off the boil a bit.
Brian Cleveland
67 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:29:39
How is that a penalty? Check the video, ref!
Andrew Keatley
68 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:29:56
20 minutes left. Solanke having a stinker. Gets a head injury. Could sub him off. Instead we are playing with 10 men for the five minutes. Now we concede a penalty...
Andrew Keatley
69 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:31:10
Brilliant from Woodman.
Michael Winstanley
70 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:31:18
Interesting, video referee? Penalty?

Great save by Woodman.

Andrew Keatley
71 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:31:59
Lookman off. Has been very quiet in second half in truth.
Colin Glassar
72 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:32:09
Don't bottle it England. Lookman off. Quiet 2nd half.
Andrew Keatley
73 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:34:28
WHAT A BLOCK from Jonjoe Kenny there.
Colin Glassar
74 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:34:39
Venezuela much the better team.
Colin Glassar
75 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:38:16
That Solanke is awful.
Jay Wood
76 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:38:51
Not smart subs by England. They now have no out ball and it is showing. Venezuela well on top.
Brian Cleveland
77 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:39:28
All gone off the boil... trying to do too much and cant find a man.
Andrew Keatley
78 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:43:40
Anybody think Solanke believes his own hype much...? He's run the ball into contact in good positions with support runners at least 3 times today.
Colin Glassar
79 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:44:17
England look knackered now.
Brian Cleveland
80 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:45:29
Solanke is Sowanke!
Colin Glassar
81 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:49:00
Literally schoolboy football now.
Andrew Keatley
82 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:52:28
That Sosa kid is lively.
Chris Williams
83 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:53:02
All over!
Colin Glassar
84 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:53:28
All the Everton lads celebrating together!
Andrew Keatley
85 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:54:04
Brilliant. Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be particularly thrilled. He, Woodman and Onomah were the standouts today.
Charlie Lloyd
86 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:54:10
Great result!!!

Excellent to see the 4 Everton starters go to each other straight away.

Well proud of them all.

Jay Wood
87 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:54:56
Nice pile on Calvert-Lewin from all the Everton boys!

TEAM!

Anthony Burke
88 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:55:18
Proud to be Blue. Well done, lads!!!
Tom Bowers
89 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:55:19
Way to go, England. Well done, the Everton lads!!!!!
Geoff Williams
90 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:55:21
Everton win the World Cup!
Derek Thomas
91 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:55:33
Great result – won in a proper manner.
Karl Jones
92 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:55:35
What a fantastic season for those Everton lads... Premier League 2 Champs and now World Champs. Hopefully first-team chances next season!
Peter Gorman
93 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:55:56
Yep Charlie, there is a real togetherness there. Good mates off the pitch, never a bad thing.

Magnificent achievement. Hope they all enjoy a break and go again for the new season.

Brent Stephens
94 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:56:46
Great result. Really liked Lookman through the tournament. Cue headlines for Solanke and Ojo, with some mention of...
Colin Glassar
95 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:56:48
Everton 1 Venezuela 0. Can we say that now? WHU fans have been doing the same fo 50 years.
Andy Osborne
96 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:57:44
Forget Pickford, forget Hart. We should sign Woodman.
Dan Parker
97 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:57:57
Get in!
Patrick Murphy
98 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:58:20
Well done to the Everton lads. Dominic Calvert-Lewin performed brilliantly for the team, selfless running, competing for the ball in the air and scoring the winner. How his partner was allowed to stay on the park for the whole match, I'll never know, as his contribution was limited.

Lookman would have been better served moving into the centre, but Simpson got away with it thanks to his keeper.

A special mention to the captain, Cook – he was everywhere trying to win the ball back.

Sue Brown
99 Posted 11/06/2017 at 12:58:50
Hope you're watching this, Ron!

Great to see the Everton lads celebrating together, very proud of 'em all! What a season they've had.

James Hughes
100 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:01:13
Geoff (#90) – you're right, mate: Everton win the World Cup.
Brian Cleveland
101 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:02:01
Love it, the 5 Everton boys with our flag!
Brent Stephens
102 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:02:30
And there's our 4 lads holding the Everton banner. Might attract a few more overseas fans.
Ernie Baywood
103 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:02:55
The Everton boys celebrating with the Everton flag now. Well done lads!
Patrick Murphy
104 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:02:59
Great shot on BBC Red Button with the Everton lads standing behind an Everton flag and rightfully Finch Farm and David Unsworth get deserved praise from the panel.
Rob Brown
105 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:03:35
Shame they had it the wrong way round.
Paul Thompson
106 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:03:59
What a cracking game. Venezuela a really good team. Well done to all the England lads as well as the Everton boys.
Kim Vivian
107 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:04:23
The future is Everton.
Mike Berry
108 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:04:43
Congratulations to them all and a great advert for Everton boys too!
Dave Abrahams
109 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:05:04
Well done lads, made up. Thought the England goalkeeper was excellent not counting the penalty save. Calvert-Lewin surprised me, he did some running there today and deserved his goal. Kenny was very good again.

Nerves took over in the last 10 minutes, Venezuela were probably the better team but England held on and there was no shortage of skill in all areas of the team.

All the team will have memories of this tournament which will last a lifetime. I hope our Everton crew keep on exciting us.

Chris Williams
110 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:05:33
I hope someone posts that picture.
Colin Glassar
111 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:09:03
Well done to the Venezuelan team. Some real talent there. The missus is gutted.
Brian Cleveland
112 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:11:14
How many goals did Orsolini get for the golden boot? (Stupid Venezuelan commentators don't say anything except Venezuelan progaganda... not sure who they played in the final, don't even get mentioned!)
Trevor Lynes
113 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:12:24
Woodman's penalty save was the clincher as Venezuela finished much the stronger and their dribbling skills and ball control was better than ours, especially after half time.

The first half was better for us but the defence carried the day in the second half.

Great result and some young lads may well make the grade at Premier League level. Some of those Venezuelans look really tasty too.

Andrew Keatley
114 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:12:58
Solanke? Golden Ball? What a nonsense. He wasn't even in the top five players in the England team...
Peter Mills
115 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:13:55
Great stuff from our boys, shame I switched off before they got the Everton flag. I wonder if they can tap up that Soteldo lad before they come home.
Brian Cleveland
116 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:14:37
Kenny was CONSISTENTLY good, but as he's not a goalscorer doesn't get noticed as much... and plays for the wrong team
Jay Wood
117 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:17:03
Venezuela by far and away the best team England faced in the competition. The diminutive midfielder who came on for them was sensational.

England rode their luck today. And I'm not having that Dowell was THAT poor today, or should have been dropped for Ojo for the final.

For those who have stated that possibly haven't watched all the games. Kieran – along with all the Everton lads – has had a GREAT tournament. Yes, he was off the boil in the semi-final against Italy and yes Ojo was hugely influential to turn the game when he came on in that game.

Dowell fully merited being picked over Ojo today, with Onomah returning from suspension to re-assume the central play maker role. Kieran showed time and again he knows how to control a ball instantly as it comes to him and knows how to pass a ball to retain possession and how to open up a game.

Other than one burst past the full back (who got back to him) what did Ojo do that was really much better than Kieran?

The later withdrawal of Lookman for Maitland-Niles left England with no out-ball and invited Venezuela on to us. England were lucky they didn't score and force the game to extra time.

Dowell lacks physicality and that, ultimately, may count against him in his bid to become a Premier League footballer. But in this tournament – like all the Everton lads – he has been a delight to watch.

As for the goal, loved Calvert-Lewin's persistence to score. Throughout the game, he was the one troubling the Venezuelan defence more than Solanke. Still needs to be a bit cuter with his decision-making, but they are all young and can learn that.

Great to see our boys on the pitch at the end celebrating with an Everton flag between them.

Good on 'em!

Sue Brown
118 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:17:17
Kenny by far deserved that Golden Ball, been consistent throughout the tournament.
Nitesh Kanchan
119 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:20:53
Jay Wood
120 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:21:05
Solanke?! Player of the tournament?!

As Andrew says above, he wasn't even on of the best 5 England players!

Colin Glassar
121 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:22:43
Everton mafia going on there.
Peter Mills
122 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:23:56
If the perfect hat-trick is a header, right foot and left foot, I guess that was the perfect goal.
Brian Cleveland
123 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:25:20
I would also mention Onomah and Walter-Peters, both had great tournaments too.
Sue Brown
124 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:28:49
And the bottom line... it was an Everton player who scored the winning goal that won the tournament. Let's see who gets mentioned in the press... though I suppose we know that already.
Tom Bowers
125 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:30:50
This win was a breath of fresh air following another dismal performance by the seniors against a mediocre Scotland side.

Some really good youngsters out there but Solanke was poor today so how did he wangle the Player of the Tournament award???

Tony Hill
126 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:32:30
Well done to all our lads and to England. We held on in the second half but it's been an excellent tournament.

Of course, the gulf is enormous from there to the Premier League and that was plain to see today. Some, including some of ours, won't make it but it doesn't matter now – great fun to watch.

Gerry Quinn
127 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:38:37
Picture of Everton banner and our boys is here...

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2017/jun/11/venezuela-v-england-under-20-world-cup-final-live

Peter Gorman
128 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:39:23
I don't want to boo Solanke just because he plays for 'them' but Player of the Tournament? Surely not, as others have said, not even England's best player.

The whole team was immense throughout the tournament but if I was pushed to pick a single player it would be Onomah of Spurs (or our own Kenny).

Ernie Baywood
129 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:43:12
Thought Solanke was excellent in the last few games to be honest. They've got themselves a player.

Kenny brilliant again and can well see him starting as right back next season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin saved his best game for the final. Lookman looks quality.

Dowell will split opinion. He's a beautiful footballer and reminds me a lot of Ross.

I still think Cook is the best player in that team. He'll go on to have a very good career.

John Graham
130 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:44:25
Absolutely brilliant!!!

Four players contributing to a great success. Let's hope we see more of them in the first team squads next season together with Callum Connolly.

Always good to see young players coming through – I enjoy that much better than new signings.

Sue Brown
131 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:44:39
Chris (#110) – there's a great photo on the OS.
Paul Kossoff
132 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:46:43
Well done, Kenny, Lookman, Dowell and Calvert-Lewin,U20 World Cup Winners – and Calvert-Lewin scoring the winner!
Patrick Murphy
133 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:48:08
"http://i67.tinypic.com/15dbcxu.jpg"
Chris Williams
134 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:48:13
Cheers, Sue.

I want to send it to my son and mates living abroad.

Andrew Keatley
135 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:49:33
Don't leave Callum Connolly off that list, Paul. He started the first two games of the tournament.
Nitesh Kanchan
136 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:53:22
Why didnt Davies play in this tournament?
Andrew Keatley
137 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:58:14
A lot of credit to Paul Simpson and the coaching team. Every member of the squad played in the tournament except the 3rd choice GK Southwood, and the line-ups changed throughout; only Tomori and Kenny started all seven games.
Ajay Gopal
138 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:58:56
They have the sacred Everton flag backwards! Off with their heads, I say. :-)
John Raftery
139 Posted 11/06/2017 at 13:59:06
We have seen a great team performance from England throughout the tournament. All our players can be proud of what they have achieved. The experience of playing against international opponents from across the globe will hopefully stand them in good stead as they go through their careers.

Many of the players from both sides looked tired today. That applied especially to those like Jonjoe Kenny who have played every game. Nevertheless, they all dug in as a team to get the result. Just as he has done in our Under-23s, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shown his strengths as a central attacker, standing up to a physical battering and showing calmness to score the goal.

The use of the video technology seems to have encouraged referees to whistle first for a penalty before asking questions later of the video analysts. It seems it will only be a matter of time before we see it introduced at senior level. An old lesson for defenders from today's penalty decision is to stay on your feet and avoid giving the officials an opportunity to use the technology.

Mark Riding
140 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:04:17
William Cartwright
141 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:15:56
Tuned in to the BBC Premier League site today and saw the daily leader for each club was focused on 'club' matters... except for Everton whose topic headline was the Under-20s World Cup final.

No surprise there. Duly tuned in to find an image of Ojo and Solanke. Read the article about England's outstanding players to find mentions of all and sundry except Jonjoe Kenny.

Now during these troubled election times the BBC has been running a promotion highlighting its virtues as the world's best unbiased and objective, well informed media source...

What a load of bollocks!

James Hughes
142 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:29:36
Mark, the next sentence was –" £20 million... or your best offer. Sorry what? Will I take staggered payments? Yes, no problem."

Will (#141). Relax bud I heard plenty of praise for the Everton boys on BBC 2.

Brent Stephens
143 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:31:38
Yes, balanced BBC coverage of the game.

Ajay "They have the sacred Everton flag backwards! Off with their heads, I say. :-)" . nice one!

David Tennant
144 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:39:10
Their keeper are really impressive. Really excellent kicking, good decisions and good showstopper. Didn't see much of him on crosses though.
Eddie Dunn
145 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:48:48
I have to agree with Charlie Lloyd that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is playing like Harry Kane.
Chris James
146 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:51:41
Fantastic experience for our kids all over the park. With goals and assists added up, our boys had 11 involvements in the goals.

Lookman, Calvert-Lewin and Kenny surely have to be given a proper run next year and Dowell should get a chance to.

Peter Mills
147 Posted 11/06/2017 at 14:55:44
Shades of England winning the U18s mini World Cup in 1964, a few of them went on to have decent careers – Harry Redknapp, John Sissons, John Hollins, Peter Knowles, Don Rodgers. Oh, and the captain, Howard Kendall.
Darren Hind
148 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:00:33
What a season these lads gave had.

Great to see young blues again showing they have what it takes to win trophies. Thought England rode their luck a little, but they just about edged it over the 90 and were worthy winners.

Jay Wood
149 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:08:18
Apparently dreams CAN come true:

Dom Dreaming Of World Cup Final Goal

Mark Riding
150 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:20:07
Jamie Hughes.. Hahaha.. Spot on.
Stan Schofield
151 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:38:39
Well done Kenny, Dowell, Lookman and Calvert-Lewin, brilliant.

I'm a bit puzzled by the talk about Solanke. He's a Chelsea player, but apparently some agreement has been reached for him to join Liverpool. How does that work, the transfer window isn't open yet? I wonder if Klopp has been doing a bit of tapping up again?

David Barks
152 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:41:28
That's fantastic, great to see. Some real skillful players on display, talented on the ball. Could be great to see in a couple of years when they build the physical strength needed. Made up for Calvert-Lewin.
William Cartwright
153 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:49:59
Thanks James, I've just had a lie down and feel a lot better... I am very pleased for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. I haven't seen why Ronald has been so enthusiastic about him... but fair play to him, he has done really well.
Tom Bowers
154 Posted 11/06/2017 at 15:54:05
Solanke is still a Chelsea player until July 1st. Yes he has promise but still has flaws and has to prove himself at the top level but that's not easy unless he gets an extended run at Liverpool after July 1st. But remember someone called Benteke who didn't fit in?
Tom Evans
155 Posted 11/06/2017 at 16:25:48
I know this is too much to hope, but wouldn't it be nice if the collective effort of our young players rubbed off onto the seniors.

Whatever, I for one am proud of their achievements and their seeming pride of doing it for EFC.

I hope they are able to carry it in to the new season. Well done, lads.

Paul Birmingham
157 Posted 11/06/2017 at 16:30:29
Great boost for the EFC U23s today and a great advert for the club. Let's hope this passion for the game is not neutered in the next few years as often happens. Well done, Sheeds and Unsey.
David McMullen
158 Posted 11/06/2017 at 16:32:25
Loved it when they celebrated with the Everton banner!
Terry Farrell
159 Posted 11/06/2017 at 16:32:29
Some good performances all over the park. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was described as Kane-esque today by one of the commentators and a couple of posters on here and totally agree. He will be a real handful in a few years time as he was today against players of a similar age. Never stops running and is brave too.

Dowell did okay, Kenny defended well, and Lookman had a great first half.

Chelsea's Solanke is not a team player.

Jay Wood
160 Posted 11/06/2017 at 16:34:40
If you like your #9s big strong and muscular, Italy's #9 in this tournament, Favilli, is for you.

In all the games I saw him play, everybody was bouncing off him, including the big strapping lads at the heart of England's defence in the semi-final.

Just not very prolific with the goals.

Goal scorers, eh? Who needs 'em?

Jay Harris
161 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:15:56
Absolutely made up for all the boys especially the Blues players.

It was great to see them get together at the end. It can only be good for the club for these players to have this level of success while playing for Everton. So that's the Premier League 2 and the World Cup now. We have some future diamonds in there.

The only spoiler for me was the american commentators going on about Solanke and Ojo even when he wasn't even on the pitch and saying how Keith Costigan (one of the so-called experts) was telling them how good Liverpool's academy is for these young players. By comparison with 5 players in the squad hardly a mention of Everton. I just don't get it.

Andrew Keatley
162 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:24:03
Agree about Favilli (Jay #160); he has something of the Christian Vieri about him.

It is impossible to know who will really progress at the top level. In some ways I am glad that Lookman did not win the Golden Boy (Player of the Tournament) as it would be a lot of pressure to be on the same roll-call as Messi, Aguero, Figo and Pogba (amongst others).

I may be wrong about Solanke Dom Dreaming Of World Cup Final Goal I certainly was about Harry Kane when he played in the England Youth ranks and looked slow, cumbersome and selfish Dom Dreaming Of World Cup Final Goal but I cannot see him living up to the billing of those players before him; nowhere near.

William Cartwright
163 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:34:20
Jay, it's the general media focus on trying to highlight the "winners are only worth mentioning" approach. Liverpool get the mentions because although they haven't been a winning team, the BBC's sports – football section has been monopolized by Liverpool biased cronies for several years and they are on a mission to spread their gospel as far afield as possible.

No nonsense or reverse bias in this. Strangely enough history of a sorts can repeat itself. I recall the architectural press media was similarly 'high-jacked' by the Architectural Association – the trendy London College of its day, pushing their own modernist agenda in the 70s to have a very influential impact on that profession at the time.

The fascinating thing about the Liverpool / BBC cosy relationship is the quite staggering level of bias on constant show, and I honestly see a related anti-Everton agenda by association. But that's just my opinion...!

Ajay Gopal
164 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:45:53
Next year, I think Everton will be well served by seeing out Walsh, Connolly and Dowell on loan to Championship teams. Lookman and Calvert-Lewin seem ready for the step-up.
Si Cooper
165 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:50:56
To chuck fuel on the media bias inferno, I have heard a couple of Radio 4 bulletins this afternoon which merely stated we had won the match and gave the score.

Not to name check the scorer seems a bit mean, and I do wonder if the player had been from one of the favoured clubs whether they would have been mentioned.

Mike Hughes
166 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:51:43
Can't say I'm a flag-waver but well done to the Everton lads.

We'll keep the blue flag flying here.

Colin Glassar
167 Posted 11/06/2017 at 17:58:07
Ajay, the shame about these youth teams is that the majority of these youngsters won't be given a chance to develop at their respective clubs.

The top teams aren't interested in developing homegrown players, they prefer to import the "finished article" despite the fact that most imports are sub-standard.

Chelsea have about 70 youngsters who are all out on loan and will never get a chance to play for the first team. Mourinho, Guardiola, Klopp, Conte etc . aren't there to develop young talent, they're there to win games.

I'm just glad that Everton have taken a different approach so hopefully some of these young lads will give us a second look when it comes to signing new contracts.

Patrick Murphy
168 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:07:53
I don't think the media and the BBC in particular are or ever have been anti-Everton, however, the fact they seem to dwell on the success of the neighbours, historical or current, individual or collective as part of their own team or a national one, will undoubtedly on most occasions push Everton's equal deeds to the background and it's been like that for many a long year.

I would love to carry out a survey of the BBC staff at all levels and wouldn't be at all surprised to find that the number of Reds among them is disproportionate for a so-called unbiased organisation.

The Everton lads shouldn't concern themselves with such things as they can always display their medals to others in order to get their point across. Let's hope in the coming years, Everton players winning stuff for Everton are also dismissed by the BBC and others.

Phil Walling
169 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:20:18
Well, Colin, my bet is that Southampton's third-choice right-back will open the season for us and nothing will be seen of Kenny apart from the odd bench-warming!
Soren Moyer
170 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:20:55
Lads! You're holding the flag wrong way!! Lol.

screenshot_2017_06_11_14_03_38
bbcode link image

Colin Glassar
171 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:21:16
Nice tweet from Carra praising the EFC/LFC lads.
James Stewart
172 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:33:36
Solanke – Player of the Tournament... wow!

Ridiculous – even by RS propaganda standards.

Brian Wilkinson
173 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:49:36
To think Tom Davies could have been in this team as well.

I missed the final, but from the previous games here is my assessment of the Everton players.

Jonjoe Kenny, been my player of the tournament, great at defending and attacking down the flank, rarely played a bad pass, has got to be our right back next season.

Callum Connolly, poor at left back, got skinned a few times, looks better further forward on the left but dodgy at defending.

Keiran Dowell, very composed when he has the ball at his feet and can pinpoint a pass or cross, downside is when he does not have the ball, bit of a luxury player, needs that bit of Tom Davies tackling or trying to win the ball to improve his game further.

Ademola Lookman, so much talent, better in the middle than out wide, looking good for the future.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, another that drifts in and out of games, one game brilliant another average or poor, sure he will improve his game further, so overall looking good for the Everton youngsters.

Kenny for me is the one who will make it in the first squad along with Lookman, the other two I see as squad players until they get more consistency.

Dermot Byrne
174 Posted 11/06/2017 at 18:58:28
Oh we can try and be smart and predict how the manager will use or not use any of these and how some or none can or cannot do Premier League football. But just for the moment, this is fantastic for those lads and the profile of the club. Me? Just so chuffed.
William Cartwright
175 Posted 11/06/2017 at 19:05:24
Excellent level of representation by Everton players. Even more amazing when you think of the inured Liam Walsh, and Tom Davies not playing. It could have been 6 or 7 outfield players! What an incredible statistic!
Geoff Lambert
176 Posted 11/06/2017 at 20:55:01
Another great picture of the Blue Boys with the U20 World Cup.

screenshot_2017_06_11_14_03_38

Anthony Burke
178 Posted 11/06/2017 at 21:37:04
Unsworth for next manager after Koeman?
Ian Bennett
179 Posted 11/06/2017 at 22:09:22
A brilliant achievement from a talented team effort.

Really liked Kenny, Lookman, Tomori, Walker-Peters, and Onomah, I just hope they get game time. A big step up to the Premier League, but worthy winners that outclassed everyone they played.

Kenny was my Player of the Tournament. He was far more dynamic than the press and posters had given him credit for. The selection by Koeman of Holgate as wing back for Everton is even more baffling. He reminds me a lot of a young Baines.

Brian Wilkinson
180 Posted 11/06/2017 at 22:19:36
Absolute joke Solanke getting the Player of the Tournament award, without sour grapes or bias, I have watched every single game apart from the final which I missed. Lost count the number of Man of the Match awards Kenny got for England.

I would love to know who picked Player of the Tournament because, for me, Jonjoe Kenny was head and shoulders above any other player.

Charlie Lloyd
181 Posted 11/06/2017 at 22:28:27
Just watched News at Ten. The success got a mention and review. Whole thing about 90 seconds including Southgate comment. Dominic Calvert-Lewin mentioned as the scorer but not which club he played for.
Jay Wood
182 Posted 11/06/2017 at 23:39:00
There's an interesting piece on the Beeb going into detail about the opportunities young English players have to play first team football:

England's Under-20 World Cup triumph points to bright future

In brief, only 41 English players under the age of 22 played at least one Premier League game last season, totalling 16,532 minutes at an average of 403 minutes per player.

In France it was 98 players, with 79,062 minutes of action, at an average of 806 minutes per player.

Shockingly, four Premier League sides – Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Stoke and Sunderland – did not give a single game to an English player currently under the age of 22.

Of England's winning U20 World Cup squad, only 7 of them got first team experience at their PL club last season. There were 4 non-Everton players who totalled 14 appearances between them. Only 3 of the 5 Everton squad players got a run out in the first team - Kenny, Lookman and Calvert-Lewin, totalling 21 appearances between them.

You can add to that that Davies, Holgate and Pennington -– all under 22 – also made a good number of first team appearances.

This reveals 2 things: Everton is leading the way in giving young English players a chance in the Premier League, which further suggests we do have a group of youngsters with the potential (only potential at the moment) to make the step up.

It also dispels a belief that Koeman is not willing to trust or give youngsters a chance. Now that possibly came from his time at Southampton when it was claimed he took no interest in the youth set-up (which has been very productive in recent years). He, in his direct manner, actually stated the standard of the 'fringe' players at Southampton didn't merit promotion to the first team.

He seems to have been vindicated as Southampton did not provide any players in the U20 World Cup winning squad and gave nowhere near the same opportunity to their youngsters as Koeman did in his first season at Everton.

Interesting piece. It also repeats the interview of Dave Unsworth after his one game as Everton manager in beating Norwich in the last game of the previous season, talking up the quality of young players at Everton.

Bob Parrington
183 Posted 12/06/2017 at 00:35:42
Well done, England. Great team performance and fab to have so many Blues youngsters in the side.

'Winning mentality' – this will be really good for them and should provide a really positive vibe within the club.

That tiny Venezuelan (name Soteldo I think) looks a gem. Isn't it said that good things come in small parcels!! Walshee – get him on the books, man!

Bob Parrington
184 Posted 12/06/2017 at 02:07:50
Excellent posting Jay! We ToffeeWebbers are notoriously hard on our management and staff, as we are with our non-performing players.

Admittedly, Koeman has not been perfect in his first season with us but I'd still give him a reasonably good performance score. I believe your posting illustrates clearly a point on which a few on this site have misjudged him.

Thanks.

Dennis Ng
185 Posted 12/06/2017 at 02:20:02
Our boys are excellent and the future looks bright. Now for some business to get done and set the course for how they will step up for the club next season.
Phillip Warrington
186 Posted 12/06/2017 at 06:33:48
Here is the one chance Everton have of turning these young players into great players and using the World Cup win to our advantage. Use these players as back up and give them game time they have proved their among the best in there age group.

Everton can't buy their way into the champions league mainly because of the fair play league and for the same reason they cant afford to pay the very top players the wage they want and can demand. Look at Rooney, a great player and I have the utmost respect for what he has achieved but we simply can't afford the wages he gets and he's a top player at the end of his career.

But hey we have two strikers who have just won the biggest competition in their age group and one who scored the winning goal. We apparently are chasing cover for Coleman – we already have that in a World Cup winner, and two other players and not to mention Tom Davies.

These players are the cover and, if given game time, they will replace players in the first eleven. Everton: please don't let these players go out on loan to scrappers in the lower leagues. I'm sure Evertonians will show a little patience if this was the case, instead of paying and wasting millions on has-beens and players who couldn't make it in the so called better teams. show these young players some faith – especially on the confidence and swagger these players will be on after winning the biggest game they could win.

Dave Abrahams
187 Posted 12/06/2017 at 09:15:20
Good post by Jay (#182), even if I didn't agree with the credit given to Koeman. I agree, he deserves some credit but why oh why didn't Jonjoe Kenny get more than the few minutes he did get? Why did he play Holgate and Calvert-Lewin out of their natural positions, where they honestly looked out of place?

The rest of Jay's article rings very true, with millions of pounds being wasted on mostly poor quality players from abroad while good young players are learning nothing in the U23s league.

Hopefully Mr Koeman will have a lot more faith in his youngsters in the coming season with Kenny, Lookman and Calvert Lewin getting chances, with Kenny getting a chance to start the season at right back.

Brian Harrison
188 Posted 12/06/2017 at 09:56:28
Great for the lads from Everton who all performed well throughout the competition. I thought Kenny was probably the most impressive for the whole tournament, and all the commentators said how impressed they were with him.

I am sure most will find themselves in the squad for the coming season, I just hope the fans expectation takes into account these lads were playing lads of their own age.

It becomes a different ball game when playing top international players. But if handled correctly they should all have the chance in the next 12 months to impress Koeman. To be fair to Koeman he does give the lads a chance and I am sure he will continue to do so.

Steven Jones
189 Posted 12/06/2017 at 11:18:56
I believe Lookman and Kenny will make it into the Premier League on a consistent basis – Calvert-Lewin has the possibility. Hope they break through and let's not forget Holgate and Davies already in the mix will give us a good basis moving forward. Players like Pennington and Browning are there in the wings with great potential.

One thing we have to be careful of is that they have been on a long season and now a Summer tournament – we have pre-season coming up shortly, then the Europa League Qualifiers. There is always a reverse in form for 6 months after a long tournament in the summer. Koeman et al need to manage their energy levels somewhat.

Eddie Dunn
190 Posted 12/06/2017 at 18:32:02
Dead right Steven- we are going to need a much bigger squad next season, but the good news is that the young lads will surely have opportunities, with the Europa, and the Cups.
Richard Pike
191 Posted 12/06/2017 at 19:00:15
I watched this game with keen interest, in large part because of the Everton lads, and it was a brilliant watch. Both sides were impressive. So far as England are concerned Lookman was particularly good in the first half and Josh Onomah looks some midfielder in the making. Delighted as I was that England won I also felt for the Venezuelans at the end as it was all too visible how choked they were at losing, and they'd played so well. For a nation with no particular football culture (going by what Danny Mills said in commentary, anyway) that's a hell of a crop of players.

A couple of things struck me about the game itself: the refreshing lack of gamesmanship and play-acting, which the cynic might put down to so-far uncorrupted young minds but the optimist might hope is the dawning of a more honest culture in the game; and in stark contrast to the senior team over recent years, the sheer freedom of expression England played with. Long may that continue.

Andy Crooks
192 Posted 12/06/2017 at 19:22:54
Who knows how it will turn out for these lads but the hard work they have put in to get where they are has made it worthwhile. They have someting special to cherish for the rest of their days.
Stan Schofield
193 Posted 13/06/2017 at 11:11:26
It's true what a lot of posts have pointed out, that it's a big step up to the senior level. However, with this U20 World Cup win, and the Premier League 2 title, these Everton lads have tasted glory. Once you've got that taste, you crave more. This surely will be influential in setting a winning mindset for the future.
Chris Williams
194 Posted 13/06/2017 at 11:27:55
With any luck we could be playing up to 60 games next season, so will need probably a squad of 24 players who are fit for purpose. This will likely be a combination of those retained, less those like Lukaku, Barkley, Deulofeu, Niasse, McGeady, and Cleverley who will leave plus a new intake and some youngsters.

We will need to replace the leavers and improve the shortcomings that are already there, like goalkeeper, striker etc.

Of those who played in this tournament, you can confidently say Kenny, Lookman and Calvert-Lewin should make it, but doubts remain about Dowell who seemed to fade as the tournament progressed, although he looks as though he has something about him.


Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


About these ads