Since his exit from Leyton Orient at the beginning of this year, Andy Edwards has turned into a World Cup-winning coach after England Under-20s defeated Venezuela 1-0 on Sunday.

It was England’s first appearance in the final of a global tournament since their World Cup victory 51 years ago.

Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored what proved to be the winner in the first half after Freddie Woodman made a fine save to keep out Adalberto Penaranda’s penalty after the break.

Edwards took over the O’s in November 2016 after Italian Alberto Cavasin was sacked but he quit after being caught up in the chaos that ensued at the east London club.

The 45-year-old was told he had to work with the squad he had as no other players would be brought in at Brisbane Road and this may have swayed his final decision.

Edwards told Sky Sports: “It was a big decision in some ways. It certainly seemed a big decision at the time. But once I made the move and reflected upon it, it was an absolute no-brainer.

“I have an emotional attachment to Leyton Orient and I had been there a long time. Unfortunately, it was not the club that I had joined.”

Orient’s season ended with relegation into non-league for the first time in 112 years while Edwards secured a World Cup win as part of Paul Simpson’s staff at the tournament in South Korea.

“It’s been great from start to finish,” he added. “It’s an opportunity I’m so glad I’ve taken. It’s a great organisation, forward thinking and ambitious, so it’s been really enjoyable.

“A big focus was on creating a team spirit and a good environment. All successful teams have that.

“And behind all successful teams you have got good players as well. We certainly had that.

“I am coaching some of the best youngsters in the country. They are the best not just because of their talent but because of their professionalism and commitment. They have those qualities in abundance. There is a lot of support behind the scenes but they are receptive to what is going on.

“Some of them will play at the highest level. They are a very talented group who have been brought up the right way at their clubs and with England too.”

Orient’s fast slide out of the Football League has been a sad affair to witness, not jus for the O’s faithful but for all football fans.

A club who were two spot kicks away from promotion to the Championship now face an uncertain future which no one can predict.

With 11 managers in three years, players coming and going and directors who do not have a background in the sport, a sustainable change is needed for the east Londoners’ ultimate survival.

Edwards said: “I’m just so disappointed with what’s happened at Orient. It’s my club.

“A lot of good people are still there. A lot of good people have left too, sadly.

“Three years ago they were a step away from the Championship so to see where the club is now is a real shame. Hopefully they can rebuild.”