Rutter reacts to World Cup triumph

England cerebral palsy head coach Jack Rutter was full of pride after winning the IFCPF Men’s World Cup 2026.

The Para Lions were 2-1 winners in extra-time over tournament hosts, the USA, in the final to bring home the trophy.

"It feels unbelievable," he explained. "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 the history of our sport. I'm very, very proud of all the staff and all the players."

Rutter, who was appointed as the team's head coach earlier this year in January, also reflected on the progress the squad have made, having represented the Para Lions as a player between 2013 and 2018.

"We've been on a journey as a team since 2013, fighting for medals, working towards winning a tournament," said Rutter.

"In 2013, there was Harry Baker involved, myself as a player and a former captain and the team has evolved.

"We've had Matty Crossen, David Porcher, Matty Robinson, Ethan Day, Cailen Beckford, Giles Moore, all the amazing players coming into our setup and now we've got a great blend of more senior players and younger players working together."

Sam Dewhirst and David Porcher both made the scoresheet in the final as England - who trailed 1-0 heading into the final moments of the game - turned it around.

And Rutter was delighted with his team's performance.

"There were so many key moments in the game," he recalled. "I think America started better than us and we were on the back foot a little bit.

"But once we calmed down and showed some composure and professionalism, we started to build into the game and I think it was a 50/50 game.

"Giles Moore is the best goalkeeper in the world for a reason. He was tested this evening. They're a great team, they unlocked us a few times and Giles shows why he's world-class goalkeeper. He's the best goalkeeper to ever play the sport, in my opinion.

"When they score with literally five minutes to go, we made the changes and the lads reacted superbly, showed great resilience.

"It was a brilliant goal from Sam and then Porcher to get the winner was an incredible moment in all of our lives."