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Qatar World Cup: England knocked out after quarter-final defeat to holders France

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.

Image:
England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford fails to stop a shot on goal by France’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Pic: AP
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Quarter Final - England v France - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - December 10, 2022 England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

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.

France will now go on to play Morocco, after Morocco’s victory over Portugal on Saturday afternoon.