Football
Dan Kilpatrick, Tottenham Correspondent 7y

Tottenham's Josh Onomah dedicates U20 World Cup win to Ugo Ehiogu

Tottenham midfielder Josh Onomah has dedicated England's Under-20 World Cup win to his former coach Ugo Ehiogu, who died in April.

Ehiogu, Tottenham's U23 coach, passed away in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training ground and Onomah, 20, paid tribute to the former England defender at the time, describing him as a "father figure" and promising to make him proud.

The midfielder, as well as full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, were Tottenham's representatives as England won the World Cup for the first time since the senior team's triumph in 1966, beating Venezuela 1-0 in Sunday's U20 final.

"This is for Ugo and everyone back at Spurs," Onomah told Tottenham's official website. "And my brother Kyle! I love him to bits. We've been working for moments like this since we were knee high and to share this moment with him is a dream come true.

"Kyle earned his place in the team after not starting the first two games. I've always had confidence in him, he's so reliable in and out of possession. Credit to him for his performances throughout the tournament.

"It was an unbelievable feeling, lost for words. It's something you dream of as a kid. Full credit to the players and staff and all the support back home for getting us here. It still hasn't sunk in but it was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life."

Onomah made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last season but he hopes to use the experience in South Korea to kick on at Tottenham next season.

"This winning feeling is only going to push me to work harder than ever and I can't wait to get back into preseason with the gaffer and run my socks off," he said. "I have a big chance with this gaffer and I need to take any opportunities given to me. Also, thanks to the fans and staff for their messages and support, we really appreciate it."

Walker-Peters, who is right footed but played at left-back on Sunday, added: "I'm extremely excited for next season, especially after this tournament. I'll go into it with extra confidence, work hard and hope to get an opportunity to help the team.

"I've learned that I'm versatile and I'm proud of myself proving I can play on either side as a full-back, which is always a good thing to have. Not only that, but I thought I performed well in the position."

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