ENGLAND won the Under-20 World Cup by beating Venezuela 1-0 in the final Sunday for its first global soccer title since 1966.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the first half, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman preserved the lead by saving a second-half penalty from Adalberto Penaranda as Venezuela missed out on a first FIFA trophy.

It ended decades of English underachievement on the international stage since winning the senior World Cup 51 years ago on home soil.

“We have proved we are the best team in the world at this age group,” Calvert-Lewin said. “We have proved we are as good as any country and hopefully there will be opportunities for the lads next season.”

Although England hosts the world’s richest soccer competition — the Premier League — playing time for young homegrown players like Calvert-Lewin can be limited as the their places in teams are taken by imported players.

(SD-Agencies)