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Rafa Benitez issues personal message of congratulations to England World Cup winners

7 years ago
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Rafa Benitez has been quick off the mark to congratulate England’s World Cup winners.

The Newcastle boss using his own personal website to issue the well done message.

Rafa naturally reserving special praise for United’s Freddie Woodman and Adam Armstrong for the part they played in the England Under 20s success.

The Young Lions defeating Venezuela 1-0 in the final, with Woodman making a crucial penalty save to maintain England’s lead and eventual victory.

Rafa Benitez:

“England has just won the U-20 World Cup Tournament in South Korea.

“Congratulations to everyone for a great achievement, but especially to two of our players, Freddie Woodman and Adam Armstrong, both part of the England team.

“It has been a fantastic experience for their development.

“Let’s enjoy it for a while and be sure you will be ready for the next season.

“C’mon, Toons!!!”

Earlier today on The Mag:

Sunday has seen England appear in their first World Cup final, at any level, since 1966.

After a wait of 51 years, an England side reached the final of the Under 20 World Cup in South Korea.

Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman put in yet another inspirational performance on Thursday against Italy, his display helping to send England into today’s final.

The final was shown live on BBC2 as the broadcaster recognised the achievement and altering their schedules.

The match kicked off at 11am (UK time), 7pm in South Korea, and has just ended.

It is glory for England and Newcastle pair Freddie Woodman & Adam Armstrong.

The Newcastle striker had played his part in the qualification period and in South Korea on the route to this World Cup Final – but had to be content with watching from the bench.

On the other hand, Freddie Woodman was England’s hero, as his superb penalty save in 74 minutes kept England’s one goal lead intact and ended up being the difference in lifting the trophy.

The Newcastle keeper dived to his right as Venezuela’s Adalberto Penaranda struck his shot confidently down the middle, Woodman somehow getting a trailing hand to the ball, strong enough to divert it away from goal and potential easy follow up.

On 25 minutes a brilliant free-kick from fully 35+ yards by Ronaldo Lucena  came back off the post with Freddie Woodman beaten but that was a rare scare as England were on top, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin then putting the Young Lions in a deserved lead on 35 minutes.

Joshua Onomah almost doubled the lead but his shot came back off the crossbar and in the end one goal was enough.

Seven long minutes of injury time were played, during which Woodman had to be treated for an injury, but was able to carry on and be on the pitch when the final whistle blew, confirming England as World Cup winners!!!

Quarter-Finals:

Venezuela 2 USA 1

Portugal 2 Uruguay 2 (Uruguay won 5-4 on penalties)

Italy 3 Zambia 2 (after extra time)

Mexico 0 England 1

Semi-Finals:

Venezuela 1 Uruguay 1 (Venezuela won in penalty shoot out)

England 3 Italy 1

3rd/4th Place Play-Off

Sunday 11 June

Uruguay 0 Italy 0 (Italy won 3-1 on penalties)

Final

Sunday 11 June

England 1 Venezuela 0

England Matches so far:

Group games:

England 3 Argentina 0

England 1 Guinea 1

England 1 South Korea 0

Last 16:

England 2 Costa Rica 1

Quarter-Finals

England 1 Mexico 0

Semi-Final

England 3 Italy 1

Final

England 1 Venezuela 0

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