READING FC goalkeeper Luke Southwood has helped England reach the Under 20 World Cup final for the first time in the country's history.

Southwood was on the bench as back-up to Newcastle's Freddie Woodman as the Young Lions came from behind to beat Italy U20s 3-1 today.

Juventus winger Riccardo Orsolini had given Italy the lead with less than two minutes on the clock.

But Paul Simpson's England came storming back after the break and equalised through Liverpool striker, Dominic Solanke.

Everton's Ademola Lookman then fired England ahead before a stunning second from Solanke late in the game completed the turnaround.

England will now take on Venezuela, who beat Uruguay, in Sunday's final in South Korea (11am ko BST).

The U20s are now the first England men's team to reach any World Cup final since Alf Ramsey's victorious side of 1966.

 

Southwood's Royals' team-mate Anssi Jaakkola is also celebrating after gaining his second international cap for Finland – six years to the day since winning his first.

Jaakkola started in goal in a 1-1 draw with Liechtenstein in a warm-up match ahead of their World Cup 2018 qualifier against Ukraine this Sunday.

Reading Chronicle:

Anssi Jaakkola won his second cap for Finland.

Royals midfielder Sando Wieser was not part of the Liechtenstein squad that competed in Turku.

Meanwhile, Reading right-back Chris Gunter is away with the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifier in Serbia this Saturday, while Deniss Rakels is expected to feature for Latvia against Portugal tomorrow.

Midfielder John Swift is also on international duty with England Under 21s ahead of the European Championships in Poland.