England Under-21s retain Toulon Tournament title

England Under-21s have recovered from a goal behind to beat Mexico Under-21s 2-1 for their third successive Toulon Tournament title triumph.

The Young Lions were behind with just two minutes on the clock after Roberto Alvarado found a way through, but they struck back twice before the interval.

Dael Fry made the most of a goalkeeping error to level up the contest and Kieran Dowell hit what proved to be the winner four minutes later.

England had to hold on for their latest success below senior level, adding to the Under-20s and Under-17s World Cup victories from last year.

Tournament top scorer Eduard Aguirre created the opener for Alvarado early on, squaring the ball to his teammate to tuck past Freddie Woodman from close range.

Woodman then produced a good save to prevent Francisco Cordoba from doubling his side’s tally, before the reigning champions responded in style with their quickfire double.

Jose Hernandez came to collect a long throw but completely missed the ball, allowing Fry to convert from a few yards, and Dowell – one of three Everton starters for England – then made the most of some good play from Eddie Nketiah to edge the Young Lions in front.

Abraham should have put the game out of reach in the second period, only to hit the post with plenty of the goal to aim for once spotted by Dowell.

Mexico asked plenty of questions late on, but they could not find a way through as England remained firm to make it back-to-back defences of their title

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