England’s Under-21s have given the senior side an extra incentive to perform well at Euro 2016 after winning the Toulon tournament.
It is the Three Lions’ first triumph in the competition since 1994, when the likes of Jamie Redknapp, Sol Campbell and Trevor Sinclair helped defeat Portugal in the final.
Just three members of the current squad were born the last time England won the trophy – Sunderland duo Jordan Pickford and Duncan Watmore and Southampton’s Jack Stephens.
Gareth Southgate’s squad beat France 2-1 in the final with goals from Chelsea duo Lewis Baker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
.@ChelseaFC midfielder @rubey_lcheek with a cool finish to round off a fine move from the @England U21s. #Toulon2016 https://t.co/AzfwRPJCTK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 29, 2016
Baker’s first-half header was his fourth goal of the tournament, including winners in the group stage victories over Portugal and Japan.
The 21-year-old ended the competition as top scorer, while Loftus-Cheek was named player of the tournament. Previous Toulon winners who have gone on to impress at a high level include James Rodriguez, Claudio Marchisio and Marquinhos.
Baker, who spent last season on loan at Vitesse, will hope to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge under new manager Antonio Conte.
.@lew_baker's delightful looping header hands @England U21s the lead against France in the #Toulon2016 final. https://t.co/LN8CVQqUHl
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 29, 2016
England’s 20-man squad featured players from 12 different clubs. Among them were players with significant Premier League experience, including Calum Chambers and James Ward-Prowse, as well as Championship talents Kortney Hause and Dominic Iorfa.
.@lew_baker, top scorer of the @TournoiToulon 2016 (4 goals) is also a photographer ! Cc @England #Toulon2016 pic.twitter.com/EYuMZzXcfU
— Tournoi Maurice Revello (@TournoiMRevello) May 29, 2016
