Former Beechen Cliff schoolboy Billy Burns hailed England under-20s retention of the IRB Junior World Championship crown as a "massive achievement".
Bath Rugby Academy forwards Charlie Ewels and Tom Woolstencroft were also named in the starting XV for England's 21-20 victory over South Africa at Eden Park, Auckland.
Burns, who plays his club rugby for Gloucester, scored two penalties and a conversion before the Baby Boks hit back from 21-13 down to set up a thrilling finale.
Burns said: "The South Africans came at us hard and it could have gone either way but we showed that character.
"Full credit to the forwards to dig it out at the end for five or six minutes.
"It was an outstanding effort and we have worked hard all campaign and to come out with a gold medal in the end is a massive achievement.
"It was one of our big strengths. We always believe in ourselves and no matter what position we are in on the field we feel we can find a way out of it.
"In the first half the set piece didn't go as planned and us backs weren't as sharp and to come out in the second half and show the character that we did and grind out that win was a real good achievement.
"It was six minutes the forwards held onto the ball there in the end and all credit to them for the discipline the whole way.
"We won it last year but it was a different squad so we had no title to our name so to come out here to win it back-to-back in the southern hemisphere was a massive achievement and one we will enjoy for sure."
The win saw Woolstencroft and Ewels emulate the achievement of Bath club-mates Ollie Devoto, Anthony Watson and David Sisi, who helped England win the competition for the first time 12 months ago.
Former Bath scrum-half Nick Walshe, who coached the England team to victory Down Under, added: "It is difficult to compare [between this year and last year's JWC].
"Last year it was just as hard, we were 15-3 down at half time with 14 men for 10 minutes so again that was more of a really good come back.
"Probably not as physical as this game but that was a very tough game to win.
"Tonight we grew into the game and I thought we took all their shots and then we started getting a few shots off and started getting into our game. Any world cup final win is tough and this is a magnificent effort and I am so unbelievably proud of the boys.
"It just is an incredible achievement and I can't really explain it.
"It is just as special as last year.
"Last year it was special because it was the first, this year it is special because of where we are and what it means and how we have played, it's been phenomenal.
"I have massive respect for the South Africans they are a fantastic side and that is why it is such a massive achievement to beat them.
"They played really good physical rugby and scored a couple of good tries, especially the last one.
"You know it is a huge, huge battle when you play South Africa."
