Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted home the game's only goal in the first half before England goalkeeper Freedie Woodman brilliantly saved a penalty from Adalberto Peñaranda 17 minutes from time.

The spot-kick had been awarded by Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers after Peñaranda was fouled in the area by Kyle Walker-Peters.

It was confirmed by technology as Kuipers instantly referred the decision to the video assistant referee.

The moment of drama added to a match which was full of incident, with both sides hitting the woodwork before England closed out an historic win to lift their first international title since the 1966 World Cup.

They were handed the Under-20 World Cup by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was in attendance at the stadium to witness the tournament's finale.

England had the better of the early stages before Ronaldo Lucena's long-range effort nearly gave Venezuela the lead as his strike cannoned back into play off the crossbar, with Woodman well beaten.

The Young Lions then went ahead after 35 minutes when Calvert-Lewin, who plays his club football for Premier League side Everton, followed up his own shot and tucked the rebound into the net.

Both sides had chances after the restart as Woodman was called into action, saving Sergio Cordova's one-on-one effort.

England were unfortunate not to double their advantage when Josh Onomah hit the crossbar before the game's defining moment arrived.

Woodman proved to be the hero as his superb penalty save ensured England kept hold of their narrow lead, one they managed to defend right through to the final whistle.

Italy beat Uruguay on penalties in the third place play-off following a 0-0 draw after extra-time.

Italian goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzarie thwarted both captain Rodrigo Amaral and Juan Boselli to help his nation prevail 4-1.