World Cup: England's journey comes to an end
England 1 - 2 France
Football won't be coming home for Christmas
England are out of a World Cup but, this time, it was in a desperately agonising quarter-final defeat. This time, more than any other time, and against the world champions France, it felt very different.
They were not outplayed. They did not retreat. Instead they lost a tie which they should have won, which they deserved to win and which will sear into Harry Kane - Harry Kane of all people - who missed the penalty kick that would have forced extra-time; Kane missed the penalty that would have confirmed him as England’s all-time record scorer, with 54 goals, one ahead of Wayne Rooney.
History beckoned but for Kane but it wasn't to be. At the end Gareth Southgate wrapped his arms around Kane but he was in another place, staring into the distance. It felt incredibly sad after a fine performance laced with controversy.
It was another player that was key for France
The pre-match debate centred on how England could stop France's superstar Kylian Mbappe. However, it was another played that proved to be integral for the French side. Griezmann pulled the strings throughout, providing the pass for Tchouameni's strike and later delivering a perfect cross for Giroud to demonstrate his penalty-box expertise by edging in front of Harry Maguire to head powerfully past Pickford.
Mbappe carried real menace throughout but England's plan to subdue France's biggest threat worked to a large degree - only for the experienced Giroud, at 36, and 31-year-old Griezmann to combine to put the World Cup holders into the last four again.
Antoine Griezmann. Most assists in France’s history. Legend. pic.twitter.com/zPYYBdRFoC
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 10, 2022
Harry Kane posts his thoughts
Harry Kane tweeted: " Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for. There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport."
Manchester United's Harry Maguire posted: "Last night hurt. Absolutely gutted. Special thanks to Gareth and you amazing fans who kept belief in me. I love my country and I hope we made you proud."
Last night hurt. Absolutely gutted. Special thanks to Gareth and you amazing fans who kept belief in me. I love my country and I hope we made you proud. 🏴🦁 pic.twitter.com/8qd4rJcaIm
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) December 11, 2022
Let's have a closer look at England's run in the 2022 World Cup
Their campaign opened in a thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran during an incident-packed match in Doha. World Cup: England thrash Iran (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
England edged closer to a place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a lacklustre draw with the USA. They had to wait until their final group game with Wales on Tuesday to seal a last-16 spot. World Cup: England frustrated by USA (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden capitalised on their starting roles to help England knock Wales out of the World Cup with a 3-0 win which also secured the top spot in Group B, setting up a last-16 tie with Senegal. World Cup: England send Wales home (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
They then reached the last 8 and their ultimately doomed match against France with a comfortable night in the last 16 against Senegal. World Cup: Stories from the last 16 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
