Freddie’s ready for a rumble
FREDDIE WOODMAN boosted his reputation with a clean sheet as England’s Young Lions stayed on course to challenge for a third successive Toulon title despite being held by Mexico in a stalemate.
The 21-year-old Newcastle keeper has family connections with England boss Gareth Southgate from his days as a youth-team prospect at Crystal Palace.
And Woodman, who made his debut for Toon in the FA Cup against Luton in January, needed to be at his sharpest in the 20th minute against Mexico last night.
That was when he tipped a fine header from Roberto Alvarado over the bar following a corner.
Aidy Boothroyd’s Under-21s – who beat China 2-1 in their tournament opener last Saturday – are still unbeaten as they bid to defend their title.
And they are hot on the heels of the Mexicans, who currently boast a superior goal difference, ahead of their final Group A match against Qatar on Friday.
Moments after Woodman kept England intact, rival captain Cesar Montes headed narrowly wide as Mexico enjoyed a period of pressure in the England half.
Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook was England’s most creative outlet and he created half-chances for Eddie Nketiak and Lukas Nmecha.
But on both occasions Jose Hernandez made comfortable saves.
The point sees England sit in second place in Group A, behind Mexico on goal difference, with four points from three games.