Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon and transfer target Sandro Tonali both impressed in the latest round of under-21 group-stage fixtures at the European Championships. The AC Milan star is close to sealing a move to St James' Park, having agreed a six-year contract in a deal which will be worth at least £55 million.
Gordon admitted he needed a 'big summer' following a slow start to life in black-and-white, but is so far delivering on that vow as the Three Lions maintained their perfect start to the competition. The January signing surprised many by lining up as a central striker in the opening group victory over Czech Republic, laying on the assist for Jacob Ramsey to score the first goal in a 2-0 victory.
The Newcastle forward kept his place for Sunday's encounter with Israel, and again vindicated Lee Carsley's selection by getting on the scoresheet himself. Gordon headed home the opening goal, converting Morgan Gibbs-White's cross, as England recorded a second successive 2-0 win.
Tonali is yet to sign officially for Newcastle, but the Toon Army were again afforded another exciting glimpse of what to expect from the midfielder. The 23-year-old produced a pinpoint assist for former club team-mate Pietro Pellegri in the opening defeat to France, and repeated the trick as Italy bounced back with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Switzerland.
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The Azzurri raced into a three-goal lead at the break, with Tonali teeing-up for Lorenzo Pirola to open the scoring after just six minutes. The Swiss hit back quickly after the restart through Kastriot Imeri and Zeki Amdouni, but Italy held on to keep their qualification hopes alive ahead of a final group fixture with Norway.
England have already booked their place in the quarter-final stage with a match to spare, ahead of facing Germany on Wednesday. Italy know a victory over Norway will also see them advance to the last eight, although a draw would also be enough if France sweep the group by beating Switzerland.
