In a thrilling display of skilled offense and questionable defense, the France Espoirs team triumphed over England Espoirs with a final score of 5-3 in a friendly match held at the Stade du Moustoir in Lorient on March 21, 2025. The match served as a precursor for both teams as they fine-tune their rosters ahead of the upcoming Euro 2025.
Hugo Ekitike shone brightly on the field, scoring a remarkable hat-trick, while Rayan Cherki added to the excitement with a goal and two assists. Despite the victory, the match exposed significant defensive flaws for the French side, which will be a concern for coach Gérald Baticle as they prepare for the European Championship.
The evening kicked off with high intensity as England struck first, with McAtee netting a goal from close range just two minutes into the match. However, the French team quickly regrouped, with Cherki setting the stage for an equalizer. Cherki's impressive play down the left flank allowed Merlin to score, leveling the match at 1-1.
France's breakthrough came shortly thereafter when Ekitike scored his first goal, putting France ahead 2-1. Cherki was instrumental again, delivering a precise long ball that Ekitike converted with finesse. As the match continued to ebb and flow, both teams exchanged attacks with little regard for defensive solidity.
England's Elliott managed to level the match at 2-2, but it was Ekitike who extended France's lead once more, putting his team ahead 3-2 before half-time with a deft touch and quick finish. The first half ended with a staggering five goals already on the board, illustrating the match's frenetic pace.
In the second half, the contest maintained its vigor. Ekitike's second goal, a bouncing shot within the six-yard box, showcased his positional awareness and scoring instincts. Just when it seemed like France would run away with the match, England refused to back down. Delap scored for England, narrowing the margin to 4-3 with a well-placed header.
With tensions rising, the match took a pivotal turn when Hutchinson of England was sent off after a reckless tackle. This red card left England with ten men and allowed France to manage the game more comfortably in the closing minutes.
Despite the numerical advantage, France had to weather a late scare when Nkambadio, the French goalkeeper, saved a powerful shot that deflected off the post. Throughout both halves, the defenses of both teams struggled under pressure, allowing for erratic play.
Ultimately, France closed out the match with Ekitike completing his hat-trick, and Cherki rounding off a spectacular performance with a fifth goal for les Bleuets. The victory not only boosts France's confidence but also provides critical learning opportunities ahead of their Euro campaign, where they aim to improve their defensive performances.
France's upcoming matches against Portugal, Georgia, and Poland in the Euro 2025 will be essential for the team's development. Baticle expressed hope that his squad would learn from both their strengths and weaknesses displayed during the match against England. Despite the high-scoring affair, he pointed out, “There are areas we need to work on, especially defensively.” The fixture against Slovakia on March 24 will further refine the squad's tactics and cohesion.
With the match serving as a key benchmark, French supporters remain optimistic about their team's prospects and potential maturation into formidable contenders in the upcoming European Championship.
