OL’s Rayan Cherki Continues Impressive Run Against England U21

Despite the five goals from Les Bleus, England opened the scoring in the second minute after Manchester City's James McAtee opportunistically scored from close range. Although France conceded early, the response was two minutes later.

Quentin Merlin of Olympique de Marseille, set up by Cherki, equalized with his right foot less than four minutes in, with two goals scored. The quick goals continued as Ekitiké gave France the lead with a goal in the seventh minute.

Cherki provided the assist for his second of the contest, and the Eintracht Frankfurt standout finished the play with a goal. The goal-scoring took a break but returned in the 35th minute as Ekitiké recorded his brace. England responded as Liverpool's Harvey Elliott cut the deficit back to one goal.

After an exciting first 45 minutes, the two sides went into halftime with France holding a 3-2 lead. Coming out of the break, Ekitiké found the back of the net to record his hat-trick in the 55th minute. Tottenham Hotspur's Wilson Odobert recorded his second assist of the contest after assisting on Ekitiké's second goal.

England faced a two-goal deficit, but the Three Lions responded with a goal from Ipswich Town's Liam Delap to make the contest 4-3. In the 76th minute, Cherki again appeared on the scoresheet, but this time, it was a goal rather than an assist.

The Lyon attacker found the key through a small gap between the goalkeeper's legs, and it was 5-3 for France. Les Bleus would hold onto their lead for the victory in what was a thrilling game featuring young stars in English and French football.

On Monday, France's U21 side will wrap up this FIFA break with another friendly against Slovakia's U21 squad.

The Stat: 16

Following his goal and two assists against England, Cherki has been involved in 16 goals in his last 10 matches for club and country (four goals, 12 assists).

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