Ex-Luton youngster on target as England U21s win Toulon Tournament

Baker, 21, who was snapped up by Premier League giants Chelsea from Luton when aged just nine back in 2005, opened the scoring with a looping header on eight minutes, his fourth goal of the tournament.

Blues club-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek then doubled the lead with a composed finish from 15 yards, as although Abdou Diallo’s close-range finish gave France some hope late on, England held on to triumph.

Baker, who was a pupil at Wigmore Primary School and played for Icknield Youth, has had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons and most recently Dutch side Vitesse during his time at Stamford Bridge, also netted against Portugal, Paraguay and Japan.

Another ex-Hatter Cauley Woodrow, who played once for Town before being snapped up by then Premier League side Fulham in March 2011, was an unused sub in the final.

He made three appearances in the tournament, scoring twice in the 7-1 hammering of Guinea.

Boss Gareth Southgate told FATV: “I think we were the best team on the day and the best team in the tournament. But you have to get over the line.

“I thought the players were exceptional, not just today but the whole two weeks. They’ve been a pleasure to work with.

“This win should give them confidence, both collectively and individually.”