James Ward-Prowse’s Under-20 Toulon Tournament campaign got off to a fine start as he captained England to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Qatar.
The Young Lions rose to the top of Group B – ahead of Brazil on goal difference – in France's ten-team competition as Saints’ Ward-Prowse departed in the 69th minute with England retaining a two-goal cushion before settling matters completely in added time.
Jordan Obita’s strike on the half-hour mark handed Gareth Southgate’s side a slender lead at the break. Jake Forster-Caskey’s drive gave England some breathing space before Jordan Cousins capped off a fine evening by scoring in the last action of the counter.
Brazil, who lifted the trophy last year, provide England’s next opposition on Monday 26th May – kick-off 6.30pm BST at the Stade Louis Hon.
The holders could have claimed top spot in the group by the time the two sides face each other, with Brazil having Colombia to contend with on Saturday first.