In an exhilarating display of young talent, the France U21 national team triumphed over their English counterparts with a thrilling 5-3 victory during a friendly match at the Stade du Moustoir in Lorient on March 21, 2025. The match saw Hugo Ekitike shine with a sensational hat trick, supported by goals from Rayan Cherki and Quentin Merlin, while James McAtee and Liam Delap found the net for England.
The evening began with England's McAtee striking early, scoring just two minutes in after capitalizing on a defensive error from the French side. However, this early lead was short-lived as France responded within minutes. In the 4th minute, Quentin Merlin of Olympique de Marseille leveled the score, assisted by Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais.
Just three minutes later, Ekitike, playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, put France ahead by converting another assist from Cherki, showcasing their emerging synergy on the pitch. The action-packed first half saw Ekitike score his second goal in the 35th minute, extending France's lead to 3-1. England's Harvey Elliott managed to reduce the deficit just before halftime, making it 3-2.
As the second half unfolded, Ekitike continued his spectacular form, netting his third in the 55th minute, once again benefitting from the assist of Tottenham Hotspur's Wilson Odobert. Despite facing a daunting 4-2 scoreline, England rallied back with Delap scoring in the 61st minute, narrowing the gap to 4-3.
The end-to-end match maintained a high pace, reflecting the talent and ambition of both teams. As the clock ticked down, Cherki managed to seal the victory for France, scoring in the 76th minute by cleverly slipping the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Notably, this match amplified Rayan Cherki's impressive recent form, marking his involvement in 16 goals across his last 10 matches, comprising four goals and 12 assists. The young star is increasingly recognized for his contribution on the international stage alongside club performances.
Despite the defeat, England's U21 team displayed resilience and skill, pushing their opponents throughout the match, especially in their pressing and attacking moves. However, lapses in defense proved costly, particularly when it came to containing Ekitike and Cherki, who capitalized on transitional opportunities.
The victory positions France's U21 squad well as they look forward to their upcoming friendly against Slovakia's U21 side on March 24, 2025. With the momentum from this thrilling encounter, the French team aims to build on their strong performance and further develop their young talents.
This match not only entertained but also underscored the potential of these young players, hinting at a bright future for both nations' football programs. Both teams provided fans with a glimpse of what is to come in future international fixtures as they continue to cultivate their promising talents.
