Qatar World Cup: England knocked out after quarter-final defeat to holders France
England’s World Cup dream lies in tatters after being knocked out by holders France in their quarter-final clash.
After going 2-1 behind, England had a glorious chance to draw level following a foul on Mason Mount but Harry Kane blazed the resulting penalty over the bar.
France took the lead in the 16th minute when Aurélien Tchouaméni struck a fierce shot through the legs of Jude Bellingham and beyond the dive of Jordan Pickford.
England claimed Bukayo Saka was fouled in the build-up but despite the protests, the goal was allowed to stand.
And shortly after there were strong claims for an England penalty when Kane went down under a challenge on the edge of the area but after a VAR check, play was waved on.
England seemed to take back control in the second-half and in the 51st minute Saka burst into the box and was brought down, with the referee instantly giving a penalty.
Kane lashed it into the top corner to bring the Three Lions level and equal Wayne Rooney’s record as England’s all-time top scorer.
But in the 78th minute Olivier Giroud beat Harry Maguire in the air to power a header beyond Pickford from Antoine Griezmann’s cross.
