Tammy’s warning

TAMMY ABRAHAM has warned his England Under-21 team-mates that possession will be key against Mexico in their second match in the Toulon Tournament today.

Aidy Boothroyd’s side toiled in their opening game against China on Saturday, particularly early on, with China 1-0 up at the break.

But holders England finally got to grips with the boiling heat in the second period and goals from Dael Fry and Abraham, who struck in the 89th minute, sealed a 2-1 win.

England play Mexico in Salon this evening and Qatar on Friday, and Chelsea striker Abraham said: “It was tough against China. They were a good team and when we conceded a goal we had to stay focused.

Moving

“We knew if we kept moving the ball around we would get chances.

“It’s hot here and you seem to lose breath quite easily. It’s important to keep hold of the ball so we don’t get tired and keep moving it fast to try to tire out the other team.

“In the first game I think you can allow for certain mistakes.

‘‘But now we know what the tournament expects of us and we know we are one of the best teams here – so we need to keep improving.

“A lot of us have had a lot of games and it showed that we have come off a long season.

“We knew it was going to be hard but we will get a good rest and we will go into the next game ready.”