Brentford’s Matt Cox and Daniel Oyegoke were both involved as England Under-20s exited the U20 World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Italy in the round of 16.

First-half goals from Tommaso Baldanzi and Alfie Devine meant the sides spent much of the game level at La Plata Stadium in Argentina, but a controversial penalty given in the 84th minute was converted by Italy captain Cesare Casadei to send his side through.

Cox started three of England’s four games at the tournament, having been rested for their final group game - a 0-0 draw with Iraq U20s - with the Young Lions already through to the knockout stages.

Oyegoke played a part in every game for Ian Foster’s side in South America, starting three and coming on as a substitute in the defeat to Italy on Wednesday.

The Azzurri took the lead after an exquisite pass from Giuseppe Ambrosino which released Baldanzi in the centre of the penalty box, and his toe-poked finish could not be stopped by the diving Cox.

England responded superbly though and Devine rattled the crossbar on the quarter of an hour mark with a powerful left-footed strike.

The Tottenham youngster was not to be denied midway through the half, however, when Carney Chukwuemeka passed to Dane Scarlett on the left wing, and his fine low cross was volleyed expertly in by his Spurs team-mate Devine.

Italy enjoyed more of the possession but a relatively tame Baldanzi shot, which was held by Cox, was the only other chance of note in the opening period.

The double substitution of Darko Gyabi and Oyegoke just after the hour mark added fresh impetus for the Young Lions, as they soon earned a corner which Jarell Quansah headed over.

But when a powerful shot struck Quansah, a lengthy VAR check followed and, despite the defender turning his body away from the ball and making no movement towards it, Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti pointed to the spot and awarded a spot kick, which Casadei duly dispatched.

There was to be 11 minutes of injury-time but, despite plenty of endeavour, England were unable to find the equaliser.