Paul Simpson hopes England U20 success is stepping stone for seniors

England U20s manager Paul Simpson hopes their World Cup win can be a stepping stone to future success with the senior side.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal in the World Cup final in Suwon against Venezuela gave Simpson’s side a tense 1-0 victory, with Freddie Woodman saving a late penalty.

The win handed England their first FIFA-affiliated world title since 1966, and former Man City winger Simpson insists the aim is always towards improving the senior side.
He told Sky Sports News HQ after the win: „Hopefully we can use this as a stepping stone. The aim is to try and be successful at senior level, and this has been a great experience for the players to try to develop them for senior football.

„It’s just an incredible feeling. To get invited to manage us after Aidy Boothroyd did some great work to get us here, it’s an absolute honour to step in and see what the quality in the squad and staff is. It’s just a dream come true.
„Even our senior manager Gareth has been sending constant messages, we’ve even had messages from the senior squad, there’s such a unity about the England squads, it’s driven everybody on.“

It was a tense evening in Suwon, with England displaying a fine brand of attacking football, a style that Simpson says was the best of any at the tournament.

„That was one tough evening for us, but what a feeling, all that hard working coming to the end, it’s wonderful for us all.

„The players have defended for their lives out there, shown an unbelievable spirit to keep a clean sheet. I think over the whole of the tournament we’ve shown we are the best side.

„I’m absolutely delighted for every single player and every member of staff, some top staff here and top coaches back home.“