Harry Kane took responsibility for England’s World Cup quarter-final elimination at the hands of France, saying: “I’m going to take it on the chin and of course it hurts now, and that will hurt for a long time, but that’s part of being a captain and a leader in the team.”
After reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and then finishing second in the European Championship last year, Gareth SouthgateThe men were confident of a ticket to the semi-final.
Despite falling one goal early in the first half, England equalized with a Kane penalty but Olivier Giroud put the French back in front.
Fans celebrate Kane’s equalizer
Kane had another chance to equalize from the penalty spot but blazed over the bar, prompting many fans to cup their heads and watch in silence.
His failure came with just seven minutes of regular time remaining, ending in a gruesome 2-1 defeat for the Three Lions.
“It’s a really tough night to be in,” Kane said the day after the loss.
“I’m disgusted, the team is disgusted. We were convinced that we could achieve something special at this World Cup, but it came down to small details.
“I thought on the night we had the best chances and the best spells in the game. It comes down to the execution. As captain, I take it on the chin and the responsibility for missing the penalty.
“It’s hard to take for sure, but I can be proud of the group, proud of each other for what we’ve done. It will hurt for a while, but we’ll dust ourselves off to prepare for the future.”
Heartbreak for fans as England lose
Southgate said Kane shouldn’t blame himself for his missed penalty, saying: “For me, we win and lose as a team.
“We conceded a few goals and missed a few chances.
“He’s been amazing for us and is so reliable for us in those situations. We wouldn’t be here if not for the number of goals he has scored for us.”
Jude Bellingham and Kane show their disappointment
Despite the heartbreak, England have been urged to keep their “heads held high”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the team “gave it their all” but “it wasn’t meant to be”, while Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said England deserved to win the game and that the result was “absolutely disappointing”.
The Prince and Princess of Wales said they were “so proud” of the team and the staff.
After the game, William tweeted: “Gareth, Harry and all the England team and staff, dumped for you all.
“You have invested so much in this tournament and we are all so proud of you. Heads up and see you next time!”
Jordan Pickford fails to stop a shot on goal from Frenchman Aurélien Tchouameni. Photo: AP
Southgate, 52, is under contract until after the European Championship in 2024 but has not committed to his future as manager.
“I think every time I finish these tournaments I need time to make the right decisions,” he said.
“Emotionally, you go through so many different feelings. The energy that goes into these tournaments is huge.
“I want to make the right decision, whatever it is for the team, for England, for the FA. I have to be sure that the decision I take is the right one.
“I think it’s right to take the time to do that because I know in the past my feelings have fluctuated immediately after tournaments.”
The French celebrate their quarter-final victory in Paris
Kane insisted the England players were fully behind their boss.
“We love having Gareth as a coach. We want him to stay for sure, but it’s his decision. I’m sure he will go and think about it.
“We have a great squad, great young players, players coming to their peak and we have a Euro not too far away. Even if it hurts, we have to move on and look forward to that.”
France will now face Morocco, after the victory of the Atlas Lions over Portugal on Saturday.