In a dramatic competition opener, excellent poise and skill saw the Young Lions race to a five-goal lead before crumbling to a disappointing 5-3 loss to France. This match, characterized by end-to-end action and some dazzling physicality showcased by multiple players, featured two teams intent on ripping one another apart. England sprinted out of the gates with McAtee’s goal just two minutes in. France were quick to respond, equalizing with Merlin’s long-range effort just two minutes later.
The match opened at a blistering tempo and it was Ekitike who gave France the lead in the seventh minute. England came back with a goal from Harvey Elliott in the 37th minute to tie the score again. Ekitike was undaunted, completing his hat-trick with goals in the 35th and 55th minutes to put France in front. He took advantage of Cherki’s wonderful ball over the back line of England before chipping it over James Beadle.
England battled to remain in the match, and then some. Delap doubled his tally when he scored a powerful header in the 61st minute, bringing the score to 4-3, but France managed to stay ahead. Cherki finished off his man of the match performance by scoring France’s fourth and final goal in the 76th minute to cement the win.
Things started to boil over when Hutchinson was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute for a late challenge on Thierno Barry. With England reduced to ten players, their chances of a comeback evaporated.
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