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Liverpool-bound Dominic Solanke wins Under-20 World Cup Golden Ball

Liverpool-bound striker Dominic Solanke was named Under-20 World Cup Golden Ball winner after his performances in England's triumphant tournament.

Solanke, 19, scored four goals to help England clinch glory in South Korea, with Paul Simpson's side beating Venezuela 1-0 in the final on Sunday.

Solanke was rewarded for his performances with the Golden Ball, joining Manchester United's Paul Pogba, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Argentina legend Diego Maradona in winning the prize.

The forward will join Liverpool on July 1 after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by at Premier League rivals Chelsea.

In a video message to the youngsters, senior England manager Gareth Southgate said: "It's been a brilliant experience to follow you from afar.

"All of the senior team were crammed around the laptop watching it as we finished training in France. I can only say brilliant, well done everybody.

Best player award �� Wouldn't be possible without God & my team! ����❤️

A post shared by Dom Solanke (@domsolanke) on

"It's a fantastic achievement, you have done everybody proud, yourselves and your families, and also you can see the country has taken note.

"You have raised the bar for everybody. It's great that all the teams who follow you now have something to aim for.

"You have given everybody belief that English players can be successful and you should have great belief in yourselves in what's possible now.

"Congratulations from all of us in the senior team."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the decisive goal for England against Venezuela, and the Everton forward said: "Hopefully there will be opportunities for the lads next season.

"I have had a taste of it last season with Everton and I just want to show I am capable of playing regularly next season."

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.

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