Olympique Lyonnais' Rayan Cherki and former Paris Saint-Germain and Stade de Reims player Hugo Ekitiké put on a show for the France U21 side, delivering an exhilarating performance during their friendly match against England U21 on March 21, 2025, in Lorient. The match ended with a thrilling score of 5-3 in favor of France, showcasing the young talents of both teams.
The contest began dramatically, with England striking first in the second minute. Manchester City's James McAtee found the net with a close-range goal, putting the French side under early pressure. However, the response from France was swift and decisive. Within a mere two minutes, Quentin Merlin of Olympique de Marseille equalized, assisted by none other than Rayan Cherki, who demonstrated his playmaking skills right away.
Just a minute later, the scene shifted further in favor of France. Ekitiké, now of Eintracht Frankfurt, followed up with a goal in the seventh minute, once again assisted by Cherki. This quick succession of goals stunned England and served as a testament to the attacking potential of the French side under coach Gérald Batic.
As the first half progressed, Ekitiké continued to shine. He scored his second goal in the 35th minute, receiving a perfect setup from Tottenham Hotspur's Wilson Odobert, who had been making waves with his performances as well. However, England was not ready to back down just yet; Liverpool's Harvey Elliott closed the gap with a goal just before halftime, bringing the score to 3-2.
At the break, France held a slender lead, and the excitement ramped up further in the second half. Ekitiké completed his hat trick in the 55th minute, showcasing his scoring prowess with another assist from Odobert, and the French public began to believe in their squad's capabilities.
But England, refusing to go quietly, saw Liam Delap score another goal, bringing the score to 4-3, raising the stakes for both sides. The match was far from over, and tension filled the air as both teams pressed forward in search of a crucial goal.
The final goal came from Cherki in the 76th minute, sealing the match for France at 5-3. Cherki cleverly maneuvered the ball through a narrow gap between the goalkeeper's legs, demonstrating his technical finesse and finishing skills.
This electrifying victory significantly boosts the morale of France's U21 team as they prepare for the Euro Espoirs tournament this summer. The scoring capabilities displayed by Chris Baticle's squad have forced observers to sit up and take notice. Meanwhile, Cherki’s contributions—racking up two assists and a goal—have highlighted his burgeoning talent.
In total, Rayan Cherki has now been involved in an impressive 16 goals across his last ten matches for club and country, further solidifying his position as one of the promising prospects in French football. The 19-year-old has scored four goals and provided 12 assists, making a significant impact wherever he plays.
Despite the joy of securing the win, France's defensive frailties, evident through the three goals conceded during the match, must not be overlooked. The coaching staff will need to address these issues prior to their upcoming fixtures.
On March 24, 2025, the U21 team is set to face Slovakia’s U21 squad as the FIFA break continues. The enthusiasm surrounding the young French talents remains high, as fans anticipate how the team will build on this exciting match and address their vulnerabilities.
