England’s Young Lions were left disappointed after twice throwing away their lead to draw 2-2 with Portugal in the Algarve International Tournament.

Middlesbrough midfielder Callum Cooke scored both goals for John Peacock’s side but hosts Portugal claimed a share of the spoils with an 88th-minute equaliser.

Having beaten Holland in their opening match of the tournament, England remain in a strong position to lift the trophy with Germany to come on Sunday.

It was a bright opening for both teams at the Estadio Algarve and Portugal, lively on the counter-attack, created the first opportunity.

Luis Mata outpaced Callum Connolly and Taylor Moore down the left wing before crossing dangerously. England defender Tom Brewitt was relieved when Alexandre Silva kicked thin air at the back post.

However, it proved a false dawn for the home side and England had the ball in the net shortly afterwards.

A free-kick from Giorgio Rasulo was cleared only as far as Cooke and his crisp low drive from the edge of the penalty box was saved.

Manchester United striker Demetri Mitchell was there to tap in the rebound but his celebrations were cut short by a linesman’s flag.

He wouldn’t be quiet for long, though. Mitchell collected the ball on the right and burst into the box past Ruben Neves, who brought him down.

Cooke stepped up and blasted the ball in off the left-hand post to give England a half-time lead.

Portugal regrouped at half-time and were level three minutes after the break when Mata’s left-wing cross was headed home by Diogo Goncalves.

It signalled the start of a 20-minute spell of Portuguese pressure, with the best chance falling to Renato Sanches, whose powerful strike was saved by England goalkeeper Sam Howes.

England had a second goal disallowed when Dael Fry bundled the ball in after Portugal goalkeeper Fabio Duarte dropped a Max Lowe free-kick. The referee had already blown for a foul.

More goals were always likely and so it transpired in a dramatic last three minutes.

Fulham starlet Patrick Roberts combined with Southampton’s Josh Sims down the right, the latter pulled the ball back for Cooke to score his second of the game.

England thought they’d won it but Portugal were level within a minute. Goalscorer Goncalves crossed for Anthony Oliviera to ruin England’s afternoon.

England round off their tournament against Germany on Sunday (12pm kick-off).

—Daily Mail