The final round of the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals saw England exiting the tournament due to France putting two past Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions. Despite the loss, England vs France was a sensational match.
Goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Oliver Giroud sealed the deal for France, despite England being granted two penalty chances. England captain Harry Kane scored the first penalty however he over-preformed on the second.
Starting XI:unchanged lineups for both teams
Both Gareth Southgate and Didier Deschamps left their starting XI untouched. The unchanged team selections made Jordan Pickford the seventh goalkeeper to earn his 50th England cap. While in the France camp, Hugo Lloris became France’s most-capped men’s player.
First half: France lead while England are denied a crucial penalty
Just before the England vs France match kicked off, Southgate’s side again took the knee. Swiftly following the gesture, England had their first shot.
Jordan Henderson popped the ball to Phil Foden, who had a chance. However, the latter was eventually stopped by Bayot Upamecano.
Five minutes later, France had their first shot at opening the scoreline. Antoine Griezmann curled the ball to Giroud, whose header was then caught squarely by Pickford.
Following Giroud’s chance, France had a more successful go in the 17th. Griezmann touched the ball back to Tchoumeni, who fired it through Jude Bellingham’s legs. The ball evaded Pickford and was buried in the bottom-left corner of the England goal.
Following the first France goal, a VAR decision denied England a potential penalty. Harry Kane was floored by Upamecano. However, despite the challenge appearing on the edge of the French box, the check did not fall in England’s favour.
In the 43rd, Griezmann was the first player in the England vs France match to be booked. After challenging Bukayo Saka and Kane, he was shown a yellow for flooring Kyle Walker.
Four minutes of extra time was granted, but it wasn’t enough to see England equalise. France headed into the break 1-0 up.
Second half: Three Lions come out fighting, France score another screamer
Despite France dominating the first half, England came out fighting in the second. In the 47th minute, Bellingham sent a brilliant ball that Lloris managed to deflect.
However, despite Bellingham missing the mark, England found their equaliser seven minutes later via captain Kane.
The referee decided on a penalty after Tchouameni clipped Saka’s ankle, sending him flying. England’s designated penalty taker then sent the ball left, completely evading the reach of his Tottenham teammate, Lloris.
However, France immediately attempted to get ahead. Jules Kounde took advantage of the reset to shoot the ball down to Adrien Rabiot. The latter eventually had his shot pushed away by Pickford.
A trio of chances for Saka in the 60th, 62nd, and 72nd minutes almost gave England the lead. However, it was France who scored the first and final goal of the second half.
A sensational cross from Griezmann was headed into the back of the England net by Giroud. The scoreline read 2-1 France in the 78th minute.
Following the second French goal, Southgate made a double England change. Henderson came off for Mason Mount. Saka was swapped for Raheem Sterling.
France also made their first substitution of the evening in the 79th, with Dembele being subbed off for Kingsley Coman.
Penalty heartbreak and a missed free kick
Just minutes later, England was given a second penalty. Hernandez floored Mount in the box. The former was booked for his foul.
However, Kane was unable to capitalise on the penalty. He put too much power behind the ball, sending it straight over the net.
Following the missed penalty, Foden was pulled off and replaced by Marcus Rashford. Only one more sub was made during the England vs France match, with John Stones coming off with an injury. He was swapped for Jack Grealish in the 8th minute of added time.
Harry Maguire then won a late free kick, and Rashford stepped up to the plate to take his first and final shot of the game. However, his effort had just a little too much power.
The full-time whistle blew after an accumulated 11 minutes of extra time, with France coming out victorious with a 2-1 victory.
What’s next for France?
Deschamps’ side heads into the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Morocco next week. However, it is tournament heartbreak for England as they head home after being knocked out.
England’s next round of international matches isn’t until March 2023, when they will begin their UEFA EURO qualifying campaign.
Final England vs France score: England 1-2 France.
Featured image credit: Getty Images