A hat-trick from the in-form Michael Olise, together with a sensational third, helped France to victory on the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, though O’Neill’s aspect produced a spirited show and even nicked a aim via Patrick Kelly.
The NI boss was happy with what he noticed from his depleted and younger aspect, though was upset Olise’s first aim stood after a VAR examine with O’Neill adamant Kylian Mbappe was blocking Pierce Charles’ line of imaginative and prescient.
“It was an enormous check for us coming right here towards the perfect worldwide squad on this planet by way of the depth and choices they’ve, however I believed we gave a extremely good account of ourselves,” he added.
“We have been very disciplined, we did not quit too many possibilities and had a number of half possibilities ourselves.
“We’re upset with the primary aim as a result of it was poor play from us initially. We do consider it was offside, however to lose the aim shortly earlier than half-time and shortly after, the sport can go away from you, however we did not enable that to occur we confirmed nice character to try this.
“The third aim was a bit of brilliance by probably the greatest gamers on this planet at this second in time.”
O’Neill additionally singled out Kelly for reward because the Barnsley man raced in to complete from Shea Charles cross for his first worldwide aim on his second begin.
“He is had a superb yr, stepping away from West Ham as a younger participant, enjoying at Barnsley in League One, he has had a very good season there and he is proven he is prepared for the subsequent step in his profession.
“He has actually developed bodily. He was at all times a extremely good footballer, he is now developed a physique and physicality to cope with the sport.
“He is nonetheless solely 20 years of age, as a participant, we’re delighted with the progress he has made within the final 12 months.”
