Middlesbrough and England Under-21 defender Dael Fry has been named in the Toulon Tournament Team of the Tournament.
Dael Fry only managed nine appearances for Middlesbrough’s first team this campaign, but has shown his manager Tony Pulis that he could push to be first choice. His performances in this summers’ Toulon Tournament mean Fry has been named in the competition’s Team of the Tournament.
The Middlesbrough-born defender was crucial in all five fixtures. He helped England to achieve two clean sheets, with the Three Lions only conceding three goals across the tournament.
However, it was Fry’s attacking contribution which stole the headlines. The 6ft 4in scored two times, including one in the group stages, and an equaliser in the Final against Mexico. England went on to win the game 2-1 and lift the Toulon trophy for the third successive year.
The official website explained the decision to select Fry for the best XI, stating: ‘The Middlesbrough defender has excelled defensively (5 games started) and offensively (2 goals scored). He has been, without doubt, one of the Young Lions’ best players.’
He has an impressive medal collection when it comes to England, having won the Under-17 European Championships in 2014, the Tournoi Under-20 Four Nations trophy and the Under-20 World Cup last year. The Toulon Tournament is his fourth trophy in just four years.
The EFL have tweeted their congratulations to the Middlesbrough man, and also gave mentions to Freddie Woodman and Lewis Cook, both of whom have played in the EFL previously.
Congratulations, @Daelfry1. 👏
The @Boro defender was named in the @TournoiToulon Team of the Tournament.
@41Woodman41 and @lewiscook_, both with #EFL experience, also made the XI. ⚽️ https://t.co/sPFAv5YB07
— EFL (@EFL) June 11, 2018
Dael Fry’s fantastic displays will have given Pulis a headache for next season, and will be looking at his best options when pre-season gets underway in just a months time.
