Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger takes ‘rare opportunity’ to congratulate the FA after England U17s follow U20s to World Cup glory

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James Benge28 October 2017

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger congratulated the Football Association after England’s Under-17 side continued the country’s outstanding summer of youth football by winning the World Cup in India.

The Young Lions came from two goals down to beat Spain 5-2 in Kolkata and add to a trophy haul that includes the U20 World Cup, the U19 European Championship and the Toulon Tournament for U20s.

Wenger noted that England’s win was a rare good news story for the FA, whose leadership are under mounting pressure and scrutiny.

“I’m so happy because I’m here for 20 years and for 20 years we didn’t do well with the youth,” Wenger said after his side’s 2-1 win over Swansea. “When you think that today they won the U17 World Cup, they won the U20.

“It shows as well that since they have restructured the academy and dedicated a lot of work to that they have the results.

“For once we can all have the opportunity to congratulate the FA. It doesn’t happen a lot.”

Arsenal youngster Emile Smith-Rowe was among Steve Cooper’s squad that scored 23 goals in seven games as England won the U17 World Cup for the first time.