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England vs. France: Score, Reaction from 2016 Toulon Cup Final
- Updated: May 29, 2016
England have won the 2016 Toulon Cup with a 2-1 victory over France in Avignon.
The under-21 internationals finish the cup competition with a perfect record, with manager Gareth Southgate leading his country to glory 22 years after their last success.
Lewis Baker netted the opening goal of the final in the first half before Ruben Loftus-Cheek added a second before the break. France pulled a goal back late on through Abdou Diallo, but their opponents could do nothing to prevent the dominant visitors.
Both sides qualified for the final after winning four out of four group games, comfortably ending the initial stage as the two best teams in this year’s competition.
Southgate named a starting XI with Premier League experience, particularly in the final third, as Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse led out a side that included Nathan Redmond of Norwich City, Arsenal’s Calum Chambers, Chelsea’s Loftus-Cheek and Sunderland winger Duncan Watmore.
The Three Lions got off to a perfect start in the final, as top-scorer Baker netted his fourth goal of the campaign in the eighth minute after being fed by his skipper.
The Chelsea youth produced darted away from the France back line before floating a header over towering goalkeeper Florian Escales.
BT Sport provided footage of the action in the tournament showdown:
.@lew_baker’s delightful looping header hands @England U21s the lead against France in the #Toulon2016 final. https://t.co/LN8CVQqUHl
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) May 29, 2016
Wide midfielder Watmore almost netted England’s second goal of the night following a fine move down the right flank that found the Black Cat unmarked and through on goal. However, an impressive last-ditch tackle from Diallo spurned a good opportunity for them to double their advantage as the rain lashed down.
The poor weather conditions were making it difficult for either side to sustain consistent possession, with the game fragmented.
With six minutes left to play before the half-time break, England’s title chances got a major boost as Loftus-Cheek found the back of the net with a classy finish from inside the area.
Chelsea duo Nathaniel Chalobah and Baker combined on the edge of the box before feeding Loftus-Cheek to chip an effort over the onrushing goalkeeper for his third goal …
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