Charlie Patino won the Pinatar Tournament with the England u20s over the international break, after Brooke Norton-Cuffy seemingly had to pull out.

Charlie Patino celebrating with the England u20s lifting the trophy at the Pinatar Arena (Photo via PinatarArena.com)
Charlie Patino (4L) celebrating with the England u20s lifting the trophy at the Pinatar Arena (Photo via PinatarArena.com)

Taking a break from his loan spell with Blackpool, Charlie Patino linked up with the England u20s for the Pinatar Tournament over the international break.

The Arsenal midfielder featured in all three games for England, scoring on his only start against Morocco. England won 3-0 against Chile, 2-1 against Morocco, and 3-0 against Australia in their three fixtures.

With three wins from three, England finished three points clear at the top of the group ahead of Morocco, with a goal difference of seven versus Morocco’s one.

It’s obviously good news for Patino that he made a few more appearances for the u20s and he started and scored in their most difficult fixture of the break, but it’s probably also a good thing he played limited minutes overall.

Completing just 95 minutes between the three fixtures, the midfielder certainly wasn’t overworked after his recent return from injury. It’s important he has the opportunity to get a run of games together with Blackpool now.

Charlie Patino celebrating a goal for the England u20s (Photo via Patino on Twitter)
Charlie Patino celebrating a goal for the England u20s (Photo via Patino on Twitter)

On the subject of injured Arsenal loanees, Brooke Norton-Cuffy was also meant to be taking part in the Pinatar Tournament with the England u20s this month, but he seemingly withdrew from contention.

There was some concern about Norton-Cuffy’s fitness in the most recent matches of his loan spell. The right-back received treatment for a possible injury in the 77th minute of Rotherham United’s win over Blackpool.

It initially appeared that the 18-year-old had overcome the issue, starting Rotherham’s next game and playing 81 minutes. But perhaps he was still feeling the effects, as he wasn’t involved in any of England’s three squads over the break.