England U17 Coach Steve Cooper reveals the mystery behind the breathtaking comeback of his team

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England U17 team celebrate after their maiden FIFA U17 World Cup victory. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: England U17 Coach Steve Cooper reveals the mystery of his team’s remarkable comeback story against Spain U17 as the Young Lions register the first ever FIFA U17 World Cup with an emphatic fashion.

On an emotional night for the Lion Cubs, Rhian Brewster, Morgan Gibbs-White, a Phil Foden double and Marc Guehi overturned a two goal advantage of the Armada, courtesy of Sergio Gomez to bring home the bring enchilada.

Speaking after the game on a clearly emotional night for the winning team and their associated staff, coach Steve Cooper exclaimed, “Speechless! Surreal! Will feel a bit better tomorrow after we realize what we have done. Players and the management were fantastic all throughout the tournament. We were the winners. 2-0 down in a World Cup final and in my opinion, against the run of play winning the game 5-2 tells you the character of the England players.”

“I dedicate the win to the good work done by the academies and the Football Association (FA). These players were in the system for 4 to 5 years. It’s been a journey,” revealed the gaffer, who further added, “It’s a recognition of English football. Shows where we can go beyond after winning the U20 and U17 World Cup. We played like the way we wanted to play. We were brave on the ball, passed, passed and passed and there was good individual plan as up top as well. We have a plan for each game.”

Praising the venue, the former Liverpool academy coach expressed, “Need to give Kolkata a special mention. Playing six of our seven games, the crowd were complimentary and positive about what we do. Whatever happened to today, we go back a much better England staff. Thanks to India, they hosted a real top tournament in so many ways.”

Focusing on the proceedings of the match, Cooper was question about his team falling behind by two goals in the opening 30 minutes, to which he replied, “Wasn’t a real panic. We were the ones that took the initiative. We should have scored in the opening few minutes. I always thought we were in control of the game even when we were 2-0 down. The halftime talk was not much different but yes, discussed we need a bit more quality on top of the pitch. It’s a little bit crazy in the dressing room, to be honest.”

Quizzed if England beat Spain at their own game the coach replied, “England beat Spain by playing our own game. This is us doing our own thing our way. So rewarding.”

“Hope legacy has been left in India for football. When I came for the draw in July, I saw massive passion and excitement for the World Cup. Results didn’t go India U17s way but they can take massive heart out of their performances. Hopefully, more kids kick the ball,” remarked the coach on the Indian football team’s fortunes and overall outlook for Indian football.

Phil Foden has scripted an independent tale on the sides of the tournament, and thereby winning the Golden Boy award for his excellent performances, and the coach had nothing but inspiring quotes, “Foden got the Golden Ball but each of the 21 members have got a gold medal around their neck. I am not the one to talk about individuals. Joel (Latibeaudiere) and Angel (Gomes), the non-playing captain picked up the trophy together without anyone telling them. This typifies the togetherness in our team. I can give you 21 stories about the 21 players why we won the world cup.”

“Yes, it did give the boys a bit of a boost at half-time. Even though, the halftime talk wouldn’t have been much different,” concluded the coach on Brewster’s performance.