Ekitike’s hat-trick fires France to win against England in eight-goal thriller | England Under-21s

Looks like Lee Carsley’s return as England’s Under-21 head coach didn’t go quite as planned. The team suffered a tough loss against a skilled France side, putting a dent in their hopes of defending their European title.

Hugo Ekitike’s hat-trick and Rayan Cherki’s standout performance for Lyon proved too much for England, despite goals from James McAtee, Harvey Elliott, and Liam Delap. An unfortunate missed penalty by Elliott added to the disappointment.

The late red card for Omari Hutchinson only added to Carsley’s woes, as France showcased their strength ahead of the upcoming tournament. The match was highly anticipated, with both squads boasting a combined value of almost €1bn.

Carsley had expressed gratitude for leading such a talented squad but faced challenges with an experimental lineup. With only a few familiar faces from the previous championship-winning team, England struggled to contain France’s attacking prowess.

Despite moments of promise, England couldn’t match France’s clinical finishing. Ekitike’s goals highlighted the difference in quality, with England’s missed chances proving costly.

The match served as a valuable learning experience for Carsley and his team, who will need to regroup before their next challenge. France’s dominance served as a wake-up call, reminding England of the work ahead to reach the top of European football once again.