Newcastle United star scoops Player of the Match award as Young Lions dominate at U21 Euros

England's Under 21s kicked off their defence of the European Championships in fine form on Thursday night with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.

Just as was the case for Lee Carsley two years ago, it was a Newcastle United player who put in the top performance that inspired the win.

In the 2023 European Championships, Anthony Gordon scooped the Player of the Tournament award after a string of fine performances which helped England to win the tournament.

Now, after the first game, it's another Newcastle player who is taking all the plaudits in the form of Tino Livramento.

Lee Carsley played Tino Livramento at left-back to great effect

Lee Carsley took a leaf out of Eddie Howe's book and deployed the Toon right-back on the left side of defence after he'd proven himself to be more than adept in the role, and it was a move that worked out extremely well for England.

Tino was heavily involved in England's first two goals and put in a masterclass display on his way to scooping the Player of the Match award.

Journalist Henry Winter lavished praise on Livramento, saying that only former Newcastle man Elliot Anderson got anywhere close to the same level in his match review on X.

"Livramento. Only Anderson came close as man of the match. Livramento deservedly awarded Player of the Match by Uefa. Superb in/out of possession. Has this very effective trick, stop-start, drops shoulder, accelerates outside r-b, and crosses left footed. Led to both goals, Elliott then Rowe (49)."

Tino Livramento must stay at Newcastle United for the long term

It's little wonder that Pep Guardiola is sniffing around Tino to replace Kyle Walker, but hopefully Newcastle can stand firm and resist all offers because when Lewis Hall returns to fitness and we have them both playing again, that's going to be something to behold.

Hall and Livramento have what it takes to be Newcastle and England's full-back first choices for years to come, and given the levels they are at now at such a young age, it's scary to think how good they can become.

Congrats to Tino for the Player of the Match award, and here's to many more throughout the tournament.