Gary Lineker and Premier League stars Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane lead tributes to England’s Under-17 World Cup heroes
Vincent Kompany, Pep Guardiola and Prince William all sing the praises of Steve Cooper's all-conquering youngsters
SOCCER superstars hailed England’s History Boys for thrashing Spain to lift the Under-17 World Cup.
The Young Lions came back from 2-0 down to record a sensational 5-2 success in front of 60,000 fans in Kolkata.
And that meant England now boasts TWO World Cup winning teams after the Under-20s triumphed just four months ago.
No nation has ever had a World Cup double to celebrate before - you wait 51 years and two come along at once...
Gary Lineker - England’s top scorer in senior World Cup finals - said: “We have a new Golden generation. Well played boys, well played.”
And Wayne Rooney, England’s overall top scorer, tweeted in delight: “Yessss!!! Congratulations to all involved. Been class throughout the tournament #worldchampions.”
Michael Owen, star of the 1998 World Cup, said: “Brilliant achievement and once again, just goes to show we produce top class young talent. Well done lads.”
Current England first-choice striker Harry Kane said: “Congrats to the U17s - a fantastic achievement!”
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Peter Shilton , England’s most-capped player of all time, added: “Congratulations to England U17’s on winning this World Cup fantastic achievement, very proud of them.”
Player of the Tournament Phil Foden of Manchester City scored twice and Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster grabbed the Golden Boot with his eighth goal of the competition. Morgan Gibbs-White of Wolves and Chelsea’s Marc Guehi were also on target.
Coach Steve Cooper said: “I’m speechless. The feeling is a little bit surreal and it might even feel a bit better tomorrow when we realise what we have done.
“We are worthy winners of the tournament. To be 2-0 down in a World Cup against the run of play and win 5-2 tells you everything about the character of the players.
“This trophy is a dedication to the good work being done back in England. These players have been in the system for four or five years and they are on a journey.
