NIGERIAN BORN SOLANKE SEND ENGLAND TO WORLD CUP FINAL SINCE 1966

England are World Cup finalists for the first time in 51 years after a thrilling 3-1 win over Italy in Thursday's Fifa Under-20 semi-final.

Paul Simpson’s youngsters came from behind to secure a rare international victory over the Italians, but more importantly progress to Sunday's final in South Korea.

A wonderful second half performance yielding three goals took them through. Liverpool’s new signing from Chelsea, Dominic Solanke, struck twice and Everton’s Ademola Lookman – who performed brilliantly throughout - was also on target.

This was the least England deserved after piling on the pressure having trailed 1-0 at half-time. Another Merseyside-based player, Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo, was key to shifting the game England’s way, but this was a wonderful all-round performance. They now face Venezuela this weekend.

It was a dreadful start for the teenagers as they fell behind after just two minutes in the Jeonju World Cup Stadium.

Andrea Favelli was sent clear on the left and pulled the ball back to Riccardo Orsolini who struck exquisitely past Freddie Woodman, the England keeper. This was punishment for what proved England’s sole lapse of concentration.

From there, the Italians’ approach was stereotypically obstinate, the emphasis on sturdy defence accompanied by rapid counter attack. For 45 minutes it worked.

The second began with more encouragement, assisted by the introduction of Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo and the dynamic running of Lookman. England’s passing was crisper and the movement sharper. Both Solanke and full-back JonJoe Kenny were an inch wide in the early stages of the second half.  Everton’s Kenny was exceptional at full-back, playing more like a winger for the entire game.

Ojo then shaved the post after a clever free-kick on 58 minutes and the Italian defence looked vulnerable.

Zaccagno again denied Ojo with his legs and by the hour England were the more impressive side. By the time they equalised on 66 minutes it was thoroughly deserved.

involved, his cross tamely pushed away by Zaccagno enabling Solanke to calmly sidefoot into the exposed net. England were now pushing for a winner.

Italy succumbed again on 77 minutes. Ojo was once more the source on the right wing, his looping cross not dealt with. Lookman pounced to finish emphatically and spark frenzied celebrations before Solanke removed any doubts with a shot from distance on 88 minutes, Zaccagno unable to shove clear an effort he ought to have saved.

There was a maturity in all areas of the park which bodes well for the future, and having overcome such a formidable opponent England will now be looking to compete the job on Sunday and - at youth level, at least - match the boys of '66.