sport news England U21 4-0 France U21: Noni Madueke destroys France with a goal and two ... trends now
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There was something Max Aarons said a few days ago about how England’s Under 21s go about doing themselves justice at this summer’s European Championship.
For them, it is not about ability – because any squad they take is always packed full of that – but the mentality not to allow matches just like this slip away from them.
Aarons stopped short of criticising past teams, including the one consigned to group stage embarrassment two years ago, but clearly this group know where things can improve.
So France, a very good France, were exactly the sort of opposition Lee Carsley wanted in the final window before he announces the travelling party for Romania and Georgia.
England could not find their rhythm for long spells against top opposition yet remained in the contest. The scoreline’s eventual size, running riot late on, spoke to a determination. They did the hard work early and flourished for it later on.
Noni Madueke made a massive impact as a second half sub and was named player of the match
The Chelsea attacker scored once and laid on two assists in England U21's 4-0 win over France
Liverpool's Curtis Jones added England's third goal in an impressive display by the team
That is now consecutive victories over two teams in pot one, albeit the win over Germany was way back in September. There were things about the performance that Carsley will want to alter yet the resilience – even for a friendly – will impress him. That Emile Smith Rowe scored on his first start for club or country since June was a particular bonus. So too a major contribution by Noni Madueke from the bench.
