ENGLAND U21s FIRE OFF A EURO WARNING

FORGETTING the size of this scoreline — one that all Europe will take note of — the most impressive thing was that England earned the right to thrash France.

It was four in the end, a statement even from a friendly. Emile Smith Rowe scored on his first start for club or country since June, with Noni Madueke, Curtis Jones and Jacob Ramsey all netting and staking claims off the bench.

A very good France side were exactly the sort of opposition manager Lee Carsley wanted before he announces the squad to face Romania and Georgia.

England did the hard work early and flourished later on. ‘We didn’t help ourselves with basic errors,’ Carsley said. ‘The most pleasing thing was that we showed a real good spirit in that patch. It was important we weathered it.’

James Trafford made two superb stops to deny Rayan Cherki and Manu Kone, while England’s only chance before the break was a Cameron Archer volley. After the restart Oliver Skipp found Morgan Gibbs-White in space and Smith Rowe ghosted between defenders to nod in the cross.

Smith Rowe got through 66 minutes, an important milestone for England. ‘He’s a top player, massive potential,’ Carsley added. ‘He just needs games.’

The second goal came with 13 minutes remaining. Jones found Madueke, and the Chelsea winger fired his shot past Lucas Chevalier. Seconds later, Madueke crossed for Jones, whose impish backheel added gloss before Ramsey latched onto Madueke’s through ball to score.