French toast victory as Kane blasts England’s hopes sky high

England literally paid the penalty as they bowed out 2-1 to France in their World Cup quarter final on Saturday night.

Both sides squandered good chances during the course of the game but none more so than the Three Lions’ captain Harry Kane who, after scoring from the penalty spot to level matters failed to repeat the performance after his side again went behind.

France had started the better and grabbed a great goal in the 16th minute when Tchouameni thundered home a strike from distance (1-0).

It was a controversial situation as England had been on the attack and France moved the length of the field after Bukayo Saka was fouled but the ref never blew.

This does not detract from a brilliantly struck shot, one of the best of the tournament.

It also doesn’t excuse Kyle Walker who had deserted his post to join the attack but never returned to active duty.

But England were getting into the game and mounted a number of sorties that caused Hugo Lloris problems in the French goal.

After the break England really began applying pressure, with Saka causing all sorts of trouble for the French defence with his darting runs into the box.

It was just a matter of time when he would be brought down and it happened in the 51st minute, Kane smashing the spot kick with his customary power and precision (1-1).

This was his 53rd goal in the England shirt, equaling the record of Wayne Rooney.

Both sides fought for the winner, with England looking the more likely as Saka, Maguire and Kane all came close.

Giroud missed a golden chance for France and a minute later was presented with another and this time made no mistake with a strong header that beat Pickford (2-1).

There was late drama when substitute Mason Mount was bowled over in the French box and the ref ridiculously waved play on.

Fortunately those at the VAR monitors were not as sight-impaired and the penalty was given.

You would have put your house on Kane to bang it home but he totally skied the ball and English hearts dropped.

There was to be one last chance saloon moment as Maguire was brought down on the edge of the box.

Rashford lifted it over the wall but the ball just did not have enough dip and it came down in inches above the bar.

So the defending champs march on to face Morocco on Wednesday in the semis in what could be another humdinger.