In a dramatic outing, the England Under-21 team, led by Lee Carsley, faced a crushing 5-3 defeat against their French counterparts at the Stade du Moustoir in Lorient on March 21, 2025. The match, which was marked by fluctuating fortunes, showcased the brilliance of French players such as Hugo Ekitike, who netted a stunning hat-trick, and Rayan Cherki, who orchestrated much of the gameplay. England initially took the lead through an early goal by James McAtee but quickly found themselves on the back foot as France rallied with three consecutive goals by a formidable offensive lineup.
The young Lions’ coach, Carsley, was returning to the Under-21 squad after a stint with the senior team, and hoped to inspire his players in a challenging friendly against a strong side that included several potential stars. Just 95 seconds into the match, McAtee capitalized on a defensive scramble to open the scoring with a close-range shot, but this advantage would prove short-lived.
Within minutes, the French team, recognizing their home advantage, came roaring back. In the fourth minute, a clever setup by Rayan Cherki paved the way for Quentin Merlin to finish into the far corner, leveling the game. Just three minutes later, Ekitike scored his first of the night, lifting the ball beautifully over England’s goalkeeper James Beadle after receiving a brilliant long ball from Cherki.
Ekitike demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess again just before half-time, slotting home after another well-placed cross from Wilson Odobert, putting the French squad ahead 3-1. England, undeterred, managed to claw back with a goal from Harvey Elliott just two minutes later, reducing the deficit to 3-2 as he tapped in from an assist by McAtee.
The second half saw Ekitike continue his dominance, scoring again in the 55th minute to complete his hat-trick and put France up 4-2. Not deterred, Liam Delap pulled one back for England with a header, making it 4-3 after McAtee's shot hit the bar.
However, the match turned further against England when Elliott failed to convert a penalty kick, firing well over the bar in a moment that would haunt the young players, with the opportunity to equalize slipping away.
To add to England’s woes, Rayan Cherki solidified France's victory with a goal in the 76th minute, overturning any hope of a comeback for the visitors. The game was capped off with a red card for Omari Hutchinson, who was shown a straight red for a dangerous tackle on Thierno Barry in the 85th minute.
This defeat leaves many questions for Carsley as the Under-21s gear up for their next match against Portugal at The Hawthorns on March 24. The performance showcased both the talents of individual players and the overarching challenges facing the team as they prepare for the upcoming Under-21 European Championships. Despite the high level of skill displayed, thin margins often decide matches, and England’s ability to respond in high-pressure situations will be crucial moving forward.
Carrying a roster that includes some installment experience and fresh talent, Carsley now looks to refine his strategies and build cohesion in a team that still has much potential.
