The Ireland Men’s Under-16s fell to a 4-0 defeat against a clinical French side at Clairefontaine in the first of two International Friendlies.

France took control of the match in the first half, opening the scoring in the 20th minute through Mathis Peyrouset. The French lead was then extended by a clinical performance from Edson Mbengui, who netted a first-half hat-trick with goals in the 31st, 36th and 42nd minutes.

Ireland looked to respond after the break, making a triple substitution at half-time and further changes throughout the second period. The defensive unit stood firm in the second half, ensuring no further goals were conceded, but the young Boys in Green were unable to find a breakthrough at the other end.

Ireland: Davin Quinn, Isaac Ogurinde (Tom Casey 57), Sean Kelly (Jamie Jacob 57), Ryan Savage, Robert Morgan, Roman Gallagher (Harry Rehill 45), Jorunas Jakas (Joe Manicle 75), Billy Carney (Fionnan O'Snodaigh 45), Destiny Okharedia (Darragh Nolan 45), Charlie Bonner (Conor Hudson 57), Ronan Keating (Gearoid Moran 75).

Ireland will have the opportunity to bounce back quickly when they face the same opposition in another friendly on Thursday before returning home.