Leicester City’s home welcomed England Under-21s and France for a friendly encounter between the two European nations, with stars of the future on show in front of a vibrant Filbert Way crowd.
National fans greeted the two teams as they emerged from the tunnel at the home of LCFC, with an array of England flags, banners and shirts in the stands forming a sea of red and white to support the country’s youngsters on the pitch, including City’s own Luke Thomas who was introduced in the 72nd minute of the contest.
It created an occasion to remember for the players, further boosting the Club’s ambition to make King Power Stadium a renowned venue for world-class sport.
Previously playing host to a UEFA U21 European Championships Qualifier between England and Montenegro in 2007, this marked the second occasion that the Foxes have held an Under-21s international.
The stadium’s varied history also includes housing two senior England international friendlies, in 2003, and most recently in 2018, while Jamaica have twice stepped out onto the Filbert Way turf over the last two decades, meeting Brazil and Ghana.
Last year, meanwhile, Leicester City hosted the Community Shield, holding the 100th edition of the iconic fixture by welcoming a capacity crowd for the landmark occasion between Premier League champions Manchester City and FA Cup winners Liverpool.
Although Leicester City have accommodated many other sporting events since King Power Stadium’s opening 21 years ago – including rugby union matches and prestige international encounters – it was the first time it has acted as a neutral venue for FA competition.
This weekend, however, England's Under-21s took to the main stage against France, and despite the first half ending goalless, the home nation ran out 4-0 victors against the French side.
Emile Smith-Rowe opened the scoring in the 51st minute, before two quick goals from Noni Madueke and Curtis Jones put the game out of sight with less than 15 minutes to go. In the dying stages, the scoring was rounded off when Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey made it four.
Leicester fans can now look forward to the return of the Premier League next weekend, with City set to travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.
Club football continues for LCFC Women tomorrow – they head to Villa Park for a Barclays Women’s Super League clash with Aston Villa at 2pm.
All times BST.