France U21 Football Team Faces Portugal in Euro 2025 Debut

The France U21 football team is gearing up for its significant debut at the UEFA Euro 2025 against Portugal, scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00 in Trencin, Slovakia. Under coach Gérald Baticle, the team is navigating a challenging situation due to the absence of several key players. Captain Enzo Millot has withdrawn for family commitments, while striker Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with an injury, along with other critical players like Maghnès Akliouche and Jérémy Jacquet.

Despite these challenges, the squad features promising players, including the defensive pairing of Castello Lukeba and Chrislain Matsima. Lukeba, recently named captain, along with Matsima from Augsburg, brings solid experience. Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes remains a reliable presence between the posts, while forwards Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and Wilson Odobert have demonstrated their scoring abilities in recent friendlies.

Key player Kiliann Sildillia emphasized the importance of team cohesion, recalling their shared experience from the previous summer's Olympic campaign, where they secured a silver medal. This shared history could prove advantageous as they seek a successful tournament run. Historically, France last clinched the Euro U21 title in 1988, a feat that remains etched in the nation's football legacy, motivating the current squad to strive for their first championship in decades.