Following Harry Kane's heart-breaking penalty miss in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, England fans have jokingly blamed rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson.
Trailing 2-1 to France, the skipper had a glorious chance to level proceedings and give the Three Lions an opportunity to possibly grab a winner at the death, or compete for another 30 minutes in extra time.
But the hearts of England fans sank when the Tottenham striker blazed over the crossbar, and the reigning champions held on for a vital win. It was heartbreak for Kane, who after the final whistle was on his haunches looking to the ground in disbelief as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ushered the cameras away from the No.9.
Some fans took the opportunity to make light of the situation and laid the blame at the feet of Wilkinson, who Kane recorded a video with back in 2018. A clip from a Sport Relief sketch featuring the pair was shared on social media this morning, with fans claiming it foreshadowed his penalty miss.
Overseen by comedian John Bishop, the former fly-half instructed Kane on how to perform under pressure before teaching him his penalty-taking technique and hit it straight over the bar for three points, rather than into the goal - alluding to his rugby background.
In the skit, Kane nestles a perfect penalty into the bottom corner, but Wilkinson was unimpressed, who tells him: "No, no... you've got it all wrong," as he stepped in. Kane protests, replying: "But it went in though," before Wilkinson insists on showing him how it's done.
The 2003 World Cup winner then lined the ball up on a kicking tee and adopted his trademark stance before kicking over the crossbar. "That's how you do it," says Wilkinson, clearly pleased with his effort, but a baffled Kane responded: "You just put it over by a mile."
“Yes, but that’s how I won a World Cup with England,” Wilkinson smiles. Knowing he was fighting a losing battle, Kane decides to adopt Wilkinson's technique by smashing an effort high over the bar. This pleased the former Newcastle Falcons and Toulon star, who applauded his efforts and told him: "Much better, Harry. That's the one!". But fans were quick to re-share the footage after his decisive World Cup penalty miss.
“This is why Harry Kane missed the penalty! We have to blame Jonny Wilkinson," the caption accompanying the clip read. “Lol Jonnyyyy. What a legenddd,” one fan commented, while another added: “Jonny Wilkinson has blood on his hands. Shaking with anger.”
Users continued to react as another fan joked: “Harry Kane thought he was playing rugby,” while another added: “We all know who to blame.”
Kane took to Twitter after the game to address the fans after England’s quarter-final exit, writing: “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.”
England's conquerers France will play a buoyant and resolute Morocco side in the last four, while the other semi-final will see Argentina battle Croatia.
