It’s been a very positive start to the U21 European Championships for Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
Starting with Gordon, he followed his clever back-heel assist in Thursday’s win over the Czech Republic with a brilliant header in tonight’s Group C victory over Israel.
After Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White hung up a cross into the box, the makeshift forward – who was playing up top in a 4-3-3 for England – glanced a towering header into the far corner. A great confidence boost for Gordon, who did the simple things well, worked hard, made good runs and took his goal like a seasoned centre forward.
Then to Tonali, who followed his assist in their opening game vs France with yet another against Switzerland, as his perfectly weighted corner was headed home by Lorenzo Pirola.
The Toon-bound 23-year-old almost made it three assists in two games minutes later, as his cross – this time from open play – was almost headed home by Leeds’ Wilfried Gnonto; who tapped in after having his initial effort saved.
In the second half, Tonali continued to show his quality from set pieces, creating two big chances from corners that his Italian teammates failed to convert. If this U21 European Championships are anything to go by, his delivery from dead ball situations and open play looks outstanding.
England went on to win 2-0, securing a perfect start for the Young Lions, while Italy held off a second half fightback to beat the Swiss 3-2.
Watch Tonali and Gordon’s assists in their opening games on Thursday night below:
