England spark: Bukayo Saka was the Three Lions’ most impressive player against France
(Picture: PA)Harry Kane missed a crucial penalty to deny England extra time and see them out of the World Cup after a 2-1 defeat by France.
The Three Lions captain blazed his second spot-kick over Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris’s crossbar, preventing an additional 30 minutes and status as his country’s all-time leading goalscorer.
His earlier penalty saw him match Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England.
Olivier Giroud’s near-post header in the 78th minute sends France through to face Morocco in the semi-finals after Aurelien Tchouameni scored early on through a 28-yard strike.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Al Bayt Stadium to rate the England players.
Jordan Pickford - 6
Earning his 50th cap for England, Pickford was beaten twice. First through Tchouameni’s long-range strike. He then conceded from a Giroud header late on having saved several shots from the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker.
Kyle Walker - 7
Up against Kylian Mbappe, the full-back was punished on his first foray out of his half, as France’s transition down his side punished England. Lost his only footrace with Mbappe, using his intelligence to deal with that threat instead.
John Stones - 6
Excellent with the ball for England and used his speed to sweep up behind Maguire, who was allowed to roam with possession. Arguably out of position, along with many of the backline, for Antoine Griezmann’s cross that led to Giroud’s winning goal.
Harry Maguire - 6
Maguire’s head continued to utilise its gravitational pull to dominate in both boxes, hitting the post in the second half and cleaning up on France’s attacking crosses. He was allowed more touches of the ball than any other England player and was tidy in possession.
Luke Shaw - 6
Had a free-kick saved and struggled at times with Griezmann drifting to his side to help the tricky Ousmane Dembele. He ultimately ended up winning more duels than he lost over 90 minutes.
Jordan Henderson - 5
In a less advanced role, Henderson needed to get around Mbappe and make sure Walker wasn’t isolated one versus one with the superstar.
He came off for Mason Mount having been solid without impacting the game in the final third.
Declan Rice - 6
Overcoming illness, Rice excelled in controlling the midfield aside from Tchouameni’s shot. He broke up play well but was one of three players unable to pick up Giroud for his goal.
Jude Bellingham - 7
At just 19 years and 164 days old, Bellingham became the youngest England player to start a World Cup quarter-final. He was the furthest forward of the three in midfield but couldn’t close down the shot for the goal. He was an attacking force with a shot blocked and another saved.
Bukayo Saka - 8
England’s joint-top scorer with three goals seemed to be involved in everything in the first half for both better and worse. He found himself regularly fouled, whether the referee gave it or not as he exploited the full-back weakness of France.
Ended up winning the penalty after a one-two with Bellingham. He surprisingly went off for Raheem Sterling shortly after France went ahead for the second time.
Harry Kane - 6
A tale of two penalties: the captain stepped up to score his first in the 54th minute, coolly taking his time in the build-up before sending his Tottenham team-mate Lloris the wrong way.
You felt confident that he would do the same in the 83rd minute but blazed over. His all-round game was excellent.
Phil Foden - 6
Foden was busier defending than attacking at times and found it hard without Shaw supporting him as often in the attack. The Manchester City forward was still tidy in his play and won free-kicks for his side.
Substitutes
Mason Mount - 7
Immediately won a penalty after coming on with a good third-man run. He was brought down by Theo Hernandez.
Raheem Sterling - N/A
Marcus Rashford - 6
He came close to equalising in the 100th minute but his free-kick was just over.
Jack Grealish - N/A
