Hugo Ekitike was the standout performer as France’s U21 side secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over England in Lorient.
The Franco-Cameroonian forward delivered an outstanding display, scoring a hat-trick to lead the Bleuets to a commanding win.
Speaking after the match, the young striker expressed his delight while maintaining a grounded perspective.
A Statement Win for France U21
France’s Espoirs produced a dominant performance against an energetic England side, demonstrating both their attacking quality and team cohesion.
While the result was impressive, Ekitike remained measured in his response.
“Yes, it was great. I’m happy,” he said. “It was a fantastic victory. Of course, there are always things we can improve, and we weren’t perfect, but winning a game like this is important—especially considering some of our recent performances.”
The 21-year-old forward highlighted the squad’s growing chemistry and belief in their potential.
“We’re a strong group with a lot of quality. I think we proved that today,” he added.
Building Chemistry Ahead of the Euro
With the U21 European Championship fast approaching, every match and training session carries extra significance. According to Ekitike, the hard work behind the scenes is beginning to translate onto the pitch.
“Certain instincts and connections between players develop over time. We’re learning how to play together better, which is crucial since this is our last international camp before the Euro,” he explained.
France will now turn their attention to their upcoming fixture against Slovakia, a final test before the continental tournament.
“There’s still one more match. A few more training sessions to fine-tune things,” Ekitike noted.
Hat-Trick Hero Credits His Teammates
Despite stealing the spotlight with his hat-trick, Ekitike was quick to acknowledge the contributions of his teammates.
“It’s great to be able to reward myself with goals like this. I’ve worked hard,” he said. “But I had a lot of help today—two amazing assists from Wilson [Odobert] and one from Ryan [Cherki]. You have to give credit to the passers because without them, there are no goals.”
The forward, who has been in strong form this season, is eager to keep building momentum.
“I’m feeling confident. I’ve put in the work, and now I just want to see how far I can go,” he added.
Embracing the Challenge of Facing England
For Ekitike, playing against a top footballing nation like England was a special moment.
“Of course, England is a huge football nation,” he said. “I used to watch these kinds of matches from my couch, and now I get to be part of them.”
Now firmly establishing himself at the international U21 level, the striker is relishing the experience.
“It’s always a great feeling and a source of pride,” he said.
Maturity Through Experience
Ekitike acknowledged how his game has developed through playing regularly at a high level.
“Yes, I’ve grown a lot,” he admitted. “That comes with playing more games. I’ve already played around 30 matches this season.
You gain experience with every game—sometimes you succeed, sometimes you fail. But that’s how you improve.”
A Night to Remember in Lorient
The packed crowd at the Stade du Moustoir created an electric atmosphere, something Ekitike greatly appreciated.
“Honestly, the support was amazing. The fans kept pushing us, especially after conceding an early goal.
We responded well,” he said. “I loved seeing the waves of OLAs in the stands toward the end—it was really cool. So, thank you to them.”
His substitution to a standing ovation was a particularly emotional moment.
“That was special. I really enjoyed it,” he admitted. “It was an unforgettable night for me, and I hope to experience more moments like this in the future.”
A Performance to Remember
Ekitike’s hat-trick against a prestigious opponent solidified his reputation as a rising star in French football.
His composed and thoughtful reflections post-match showed the mindset of a player who is not only talented but also focused on continued growth.
With the European Championship on the horizon, his performance against England is a strong statement of intent.
If he maintains this form, Hugo Ekitike could be a key figure in France’s U21 squad as they aim for continental success.
