England produced a sensational performance to come from 2-NIL down to thrash Spain 5-2 and win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India.

The Three Lions had never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the tournament before but emulated England Under 20s who won their World Cup in June.

The margin of victory did not flatter Steve Cooper’s side, who were superb throughout and could consider themselves unlucky to fall behind to a double from Barcelona forward Sergio Gomez.

Heads did not drop, and from the moment Wolves forward Morgan Gibbs White added to Rhian Brewster’s eighth goal of the tournament to equalize, England looked the most likely to go on and win.

Fulham right-back Steven Sessegnon also impressed, setting up the first two goals with powerful overlapping runs, while another major player, Jadon Sancho, was not involved at all after being recalled by new club Borussia Dortmund.

Phil Foden, an outstanding talent for Manchester City and the man of the match, slotted in the fifth late on with a neat shot.

Liverpool striker Brewster secured the tournament’s golden boot.

It may be 21 years since England’s senior men’s team reached the last four of a major tournament, and the Football Association may be having a bad time of things off the pitch, but on it, at all other levels, the signs are good.

England won the European Under-19 Championship with a 2-1 victory over Portugal in Georgia in July, the Under-20s won the World Cup in June.