Hamza Choudhury has issued a heartfelt apology for the red card that left France midfielder Jonathan Bamba hospitalised and England on the brink of elimination.

The Leicester midfielder had been a standout performer for England in their opening match of Euro 2019 but his two-footed challenge on Bamba in the 61st minute changed the complexion of the contest; down to 10 men, England saw a 1-0 lead become a 2-1 defeat.

Choudhury had initially been booked by Srdjan Jovanovic but the Serbian referee upgraded the punishment after consulting VAR; the 21-year-old was inconsolable when he was ordered off.

England's Hamza Choudhury was initially given a yellow card for his tackle on France's Jonathan Bamba during Tuesday night's Under 21 European Championship opener

Choudhury came flying in on Lille forward Bamba inside the England penalty area

Serbian referee Srdjan Jovanovic consulted VAR and decided to send off the England man

He is suspended for Friday's must-win game against Romania but will not face a fine.

Brendan Rodgers, Leicester's manager, is a huge fan of Choudhury and he has been in touch to offer his support, while Under-21 head coach Aidy Boothroyd and the players have done their best to raise his spirits but it is clear how much the incident has affected him.

'I can remember that the ball was there to be won but, honestly, watching back it looked like I was over aggressive,' said a visibly emotional Choudhury.

'It wasn't malicious and I didn't want to hurt him whatsoever. I saw the ball and tried to take it but I mistimed it.

'I don't think I have ever felt worse in my footballing career so far than I do right now. I understand playing at this level comes with a certain pressure.

'I have let the lads down and I have let the country down. I just want to get that message out there and really apologise.'

Houssem Aouar's penalty struck the post but France went on to beat 10-man England 2-1

England were left dejected after throwing away their advantage to lose 2-1 to France

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (No 2) deflected a Jean-Philippe Mateta strike into his own net at the death

It was to Choudhury's credit that he came to face the media. Some players would scuttle away in such situations but he confronted the moment.

Choudhury, who rose to prominence with Leicester last season, is well-regarded by the FA and this rash moment will not be a stain on his profile.

'I will go back and think about it,' said Choudhury, when it was put to him that this is a moment from which he will learn.

'The next time I get in that situation, I won't make that tackle. Right now, I am just upset and I feel like I have let the side down.

'The lads were brilliant, to be honest. They came and they picked me up off the floor. They took me into the showers and told me to keep my head up. But right now, I can't. I just can't. It's a really difficult time. I just wanted to let everyone know that I know I have let them down.'

Leicester midfielder Choudhury apologised profusely for his moment of madness

England's best hope of reaching the semi-finals at this stage is to aim to be the best runners-up. If they can play as they did for the first 60 minutes against France, they will have an excellent chance of reaching that target and Choudhury is confident they will not fall at the first hurdle.

'Of course we can stay in this tournament – of course,' he said. 'The group of lads that we have got in there, I think, are the best in the tournament.

'I think we will go on and I think we will get six points. That is our aim and we will see if we can progress to the semi-finals.'