New Liverpool signing Dominic Solanke scored twice and Sheyi Ojo registered an assist as England beat Italy 3-1 to reach the U20 World Cup final.
The Three Lions took on the Azzurri in South Korea on Thursday, knowing a precious spot in the final against Venezuela awaited.
The evening started terribly for Paul Simpsons’ side, however, with Riccardo Orsolini curling Italy in front with just two minutes played.
With the game slowly drifting towards its conclusion, and the Italians defending in typically dogged fashion, a Liverpool-inspired fightback rescued things.
Ojo, on as a second-half substitute, sent in a dangerous right-footed cross, and Solanke was on-hand to stroke home from close-range, after Italy had failed to clear the danger.
England were in dream land with 11 minutes left on the clock, thanks to Everton forward Ademola Lookman’s finish from six yards out.
Bang bang pic.twitter.com/T4HX4jzTLK
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) June 8, 2017
Solanke sealed a brilliant win for Simpson’s youngsters, rifling the ball into the net from 25 yards to book his team’s place in Sunday’s showcase event in Suwon.
It was a night that will once again have left Reds supporters excited about what Solanke could offer next season and beyond.
He was a constant menace throughout, combining a strong physical presence with some nice touches and clever movement, and his goalscoring pedigree was there for all to see.
More performances like this will only see Solanke’s stock rise, as he looks to make himself a fixture in Jurgen Klopp‘s first-team squad.
On current evidence, the likes of Divock Origi and Danny Ings have a right to feel slightly concerned.
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