Saints star Charles records brilliant assist against World Cup hopefuls France

SAINTS midfielder Shea Charles starred with a brilliant assist for Northern Ireland in a 3-1 friendly defeat to World Cup hopefuls France.

Michael Olise's hat-trick proved the difference in Lille as Didier Deschamps' side warmed up for this month's tournament with a convincing victory.

But Saints man Charles was at the heart of much of Northern Ireland's best work and played a key role in their goal midway through the second half.

The 22 year old creator first threatened with an excellent disguised through ball that almost released Patrick Kelly in the box before half-time.

And later, in the 64th minute, Charles burst forward on a counter-attack, somehow getting the better of Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.

International account = opened ✅ Patrick Kelly scores his first Northern Ireland goal...and what a game to do it!#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/GhM4sF0i6R

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) June 8, 2026

He then delivered a low cross that Kelly converted for his first senior international goal, with the strike briefly silencing the rowdy home crowd.

Charles outlined again why he is a transfer target for the likes of Manchester United, with director of football Jason Wilcox a long-term admirer.

Everton have also been linked, after Charles netted winning goals against Arsenal and in the Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.

They paid £12million to sign Charles three years ago and believe he could fetch three times as much if European-qualified clubs solidify their interest.