England win Cerebral Palsy World Cup for first time after beating USA in Atlanta final

Para Lions seal historic first world title in Atlanta

England have won the Cerebral Palsy World Cup for the first time, beating the United States 2-1 in a thrilling final in Atlanta.

The hosts, playing in front of their own supporters, took the lead from a corner with just three minutes of normal time remaining, putting them on the brink of the title. But Sam Dewhirst equalised to send the tie into extra time.

The Para Lions then completed the turnaround when David Porcher fired home after Dewhirst's shot had been saved, sealing the World Cup for England.

'It feels unbelievable' – Rutter hails players and staff

England cerebral palsy head coach Jack Rutter described the win as a landmark moment for the sport.

"It feels unbelievable," he said. "The amount of sacrifice these players and staff have put in to achieve this goal is incredible.

"We were coming here with hope of maybe winning a medal and I can't believe we actually won the World Cup for the first time.

"I'm very, very proud of all the staff and all the players."

Comes days after powerchair final defeat

The victory arrives shortly after England's powerchair squad were beaten by France in their own World Cup final on Friday, making the cerebral palsy side's success a welcome lift for England's para football programme.

England had travelled to the United States with modest expectations and a target of a medal, but leave as world champions for the first time in the competition's history.