View: Tottenham duo Oliver Skipp and Destiny Udogie taste victory as Under-21 Euros continue
After making contrasting starts to their European Under-21 Championship campaigns, Tottenham stars Oliver Skipp and Destiny Udogie both recorded wins with their sides on matchday two.
On Thursday 22 June, Skipp was involved in England’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic while Udogie was on the losing side as Italy were defeated 2-1 by France in their opening group game.
However, on Sunday 25 June, the Spurs stars were both on winning sides as England made it two from two with a win over Israel, while the Gli Azzurrini’s 3-2 victory over Switzerland got them off the mark and took them to second place in Group D.
Although Skipp started the evening on the bench, he came on and featured for the final 20 minutes to help England solidify a second 2-0 win in as many games.
The Young Lions were ahead through Anthony Gordon in the first half and Emile Smith-Rowe grabbed the second after the break. Skipp was brought on in place of Lille midfielder Angel Gomes to help see out the victory.
While on the pitch, Skipp’s neat and tidy approach in the middle of the park allowed Lee Carsley’s side to maintain control as the clock ticked towards the 90th minute. Spurs’ 22-year-old midfielder made 25 touches during his cameo appearance and recorded a passing accuracy of 91 per cent, while winning the one ground duel he attempted (SofaScore).
The win secures England top spot in Group C with a game to play as only Czech Republic can now match the six points achieved by Skipp’s side, with the English holding a better head-to-head record over their rivals.
Italy were the victors in a ding-dong battle with Switzerland, which moved them to second place above their opponents. Udogie, however, was an unused substitute and could only watch on from the sidelines.
He will be hoping to feature and make an impact in Italy’s crucial final group game against Norway. Italy must better the Swiss’ result against France with both sides tied on three points in Group D.
The duo’s final group games will take place on Wednesday 28 June as Skipp and England take on Germany, who need victory to have any hope of qualification, while Udogie and Italy meet Norway.
In other Tottenham news, a duo from the Spurs women’s side have international ambitions of their own.