Lewis Cook became the first man to lift a World Cup for England since Bobby Moore lifted the old Jules Rimet trophy in 1966, after leading the Young Lions to a win over Venezuela.
The AFC Bournemouth midfielder and his team-mates were victorious in Suwon on Sunday, thanks to a first-half strike from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and aided by a second-half penalty save from Freddie Woodman.
And Cook paid tribute to the whole squad and backroom staff, who have been in the Far East for over a month, following a week-long training camp in Japan before playing their opening game with Argentina just over three weeks ago.
“It’s unbelievable, it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s the best day of my life by far,” said Cook, after lifting the trophy.
“I’m so proud of all the lads and the staff and I just want to say a massive thank-you to my family and friends for all their support.
“It’s been wonderful to be here in Korea, everybody has been so friendly so to top it off with a win, it’s been amazing and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
England, who have enjoyed victories over Argentina, Korea Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico and Italy as well as a draw with Guinea in the group stage, faced a tough test to get their names on the trophy against a Venezuela side who had beaten the likes of USA, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Uruguay on their way to the final.
And there were a few nail-biting moments, particularly when Newcastle United stopper Woodman kept out Adalberto Penaranda’s 74th minute spot-kick.
“They [Venezuela] were really good to be fair, all credit to them,” added Cook, who joined Bournemouth from Leeds United last summer.
“They came at us for the last 30 minutes which was tough, but luckily enough they didn’t get the goal.
“I was always confident in Fred, so I was looking at him and willing him on.
“He’s a wonderful keeper and a great lad so I’m just happy for him. He fully deserves it, he works so hard so I’m delighted for him.”
Cook admits those initial moments after the final whistle passed by in an instant before he was presented with the trophy.
But he was happy to reveal he was intending to enjoy the celebrations with the rest of the travelling party before they head home on Monday.
“Yes, I’m just going to go and see my family at the hotel and have a really good time!”
