England Under-21s came from behind to beat Mexico and secure their third successive Toulon Tournament title.
After a successful summer for the England age groups in 2017, the Young Lions continued to show their ability in tournament football with a 2-1 win in Martigues. Aidy Boothroyd’s side had to battle back from a goal down to beat Scotland in the semi-final and did the same yesterday after Roberto Alvarado put Mexico in front inside 80 seconds.
Dael Fry drew them level and Kieran Dowell completed the turnaround just before the interval as England made it a hat-trick of Toulon successes.
The two nations shared a goalless draw before both progressing to the last four from Group A – but there were goals in the second meeting of the sides. Alvarado put Mexico ahead when he turned home Eduardo Aguirre’s cross with a scuffed finish.
The Young Lions were lucky that Uriel Antuna failed to score when played through after 12 minutes, the Manchester City youngster scuffing what looked an easy chance. Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman then saved Francisco Cordova’s drive.
England’s equaliser came through fortuitous circumstances as Mexico No1 Jose Hernandez failed to catch Jake Clarke-Salter’s long throw-in, leaving Fry the simplest of finishes into an empty goal.
Boothroyd’s rookies went in front when Eddie Nketiah crossed low for Everton’s Dowell to coolly convert.
The second half did not start as lively as the first, the heat in southern France leading to drinks breaks in both halves as the youngsters dealt with high temperatures even as the sun began to set towards the end of the game.
Mexico failed to rally in the closing stages as England saw out the final few minutes in mature fashion.