MIDDLESBROUGH’S young defender Dael Fry had a scoring role to play as England’s Under-21s won the Toulon Tournament in France.

The 20-year-old was at the heart of the defence to help seal victory in Saturday’s final win over Mexico to cap another glorious summer on the international front on a personal level.

The Toulon success followed Fry’s successful outings for England’s Under-20s at the World Cup last summer and he also won the Under-17s European Championships four years ago.

Fry played every minute for England in Toulon and he scored twice, including the equaliser against Mexico in Saturday's final.

England – who had Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman in goal and Adam Armstrong was a second half substitute – had to come from behind when Roberto Alvarado's second minute opener but the Mexicans in front in Martigues.

But half an hour later Aidy Boothroyd's team responded by pulling level through Fry when he fired home a loose ball after the Mexican keeper failed to hold a Jake Clarke-Salter, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, long throw.

And nine minutes before half-time Kieron Dowell hit the winner when he converted an Eddie Nketiah cross.

Fry said: “It's gone very well, it's been amazing to be part of this competition with England.

“We've won the tournament for the past two years and the aim has been to make it three in a row. It's been nice to get the opportunity to do that again.

“I was with England when we won in 2014 and we've also won the World Cup. When the lads got the win in the final in Korea it was a massive, massive moment.

“I've been delighted to play every single minute of every single game here.

“My aim was to perform well, win the tournament and get back up to full fitness for pre-season.”

Fry will now have a break before returning for training with the Middlesbrough squad at the end of the month.

Tony Pulis, the Boro boss, is still to make any new additions to his squad but the work is ongoing behind-the-scenes to add some extra options.

A lot could depend on whether Adama Traore and Ben Gibson are sold for hefty fees, although Middlesbrough will certainly not be selling them unless it made financial sense.

Traore is attracting plenty of interest and there are reports that Middlesbrough could do business for £20m, although Pulis is a huge fan of the winger so will not be looking to lose him.

Aston Villa, Traore's former club, are watching the situation closely knowing they will be entitled to a percentage of a sale because of a sell on clause.