Ex-England Under-20 star Steve Watson has hailed Bournemouth youngster Lewis Cook.

England managed to reach the final of the of Under-20 World Cup with a fine 3-1 victory over Italy at Jeonju on Thursday and the young Three Lions will now be going up against Venezuela for the title in the final on Sunday.

One of the many stars of England's wonderful run has been skipper Cook and former Three Lions Under-20 star Steve Watson has gone on to hail the Bournemouth midfielder for leading his country on the brink of success at the international level.

Watson told the Daily Echo: "It is great to see players like Lewis Cook succeeding and doing well. When I was that age we lost a lot of kids of that height and stature because coaches said they were too small, which is barmy when you look at the game now.

"The most gifted and naturally talented player in the world, Lionel Messi, is proof of that. I think the rule changes have helped that type of player because you cannot kick them off the ball any more! The game is far more tailored to those smaller, technical players."