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Sunderland duo clinch England U21 success

It’s rare to witness the English national football team be victorious at a tournament. It’s even more extraordinary when you can say two Sunderland players were fundamental to that success.

However, that is indeed the case with Black Cats’ Duncan Watmore and Jordan Pickford helping the England U21 side lift the trophy after triumph at the Toulon Tournament 2016.

What makes this more significant is that England haven’t replicated success in this tournament since1994 with a squad that consisted of Sol Campbell, Jamie Redknapp and Trevor Sinclair – players that went onto have formidable careers.

The question of course is can Duncan Watmore and Jordan Pickford go onto enjoy similar success?

Watmore has certainly enjoyed a great season, incrementally showing improvement all the time. He was also among the best players at last year’s international tournament. Of course there are still rough edges - sure there are areas within his game he needs to improve on - but not since Jordan Henderson have we witnessed a youth player with, the potential at least, to become a real Premier League star. It doesn’t feel like hype to speak of him in those terms, which is very much to his credit.

Coming on as substitute he changed the game at Carrow Road in Sunderland’s vital bottom of the table clash against Norwich, and despite his form I still feel he is best suited as an impact player from the bench. Therefore, it will be interesting to see whether he pushes on again after a good pre-season under his belt.

Jordan Pickford, another star of the Toulon Tournament and fellow Sunderland teammate, has previously been on loan at Championship side Preston North End. He has had somewhat of a breakthrough season despite Premier League appearances being limited. He’s excelled previously at the Toulon Tournament and has also enjoyed some success out on loan to a number of lower league teams including League One side Carlisle United.

The Washington born stopper has also represented England at every level from U16 up to U20. Pickford has been in the national spotlight previously for his long ball assist during England U21’s game against Kazakhstan and is very well thought of by the Sunderland hierarchy.

His success hasn’t gone unnoticed by club scouts either, and both Spurs and Manchester United are credited with an interest. However, having signed a contract to remain at Sunderland until 2020 it will likely take a large offer for the Wearsiders to consider severing ties with their local prospect.

Certainly Pickford has something about him and if he continues on his trajectory there is no reason why he can’t be the long term replacement for current number one Joe Hart.

The next step will be to see both players make the step up to the senior national first team.