Three Lions lose World Cup because Harry Kane missed the penalty

England 1 France 2

By Jason Burt at Al Bayt Stadium

Deja vu again. England was again eliminated from the World Cup. This time, it was in a disappointing quarter-final loss. It looked very different this time against France, the world champions.

They are not being outdone. They didn’t give up. They lost the tie they should have won that they deserved. That would be Harry Kane – Harry Kane, of all people. who missed the penalty kickThat would have required extra time. Kane missed a penalty that would have confirmed his status as England’s all time top scorer, with 54 goals. Wayne Rooney is one goal ahead.

The captain was not able to see the television cameras as history unfolded. Cut to a grin Kylian Mbappe. Gareth Southgate wrapped Kane’s arms around him at the end. But he was somewhere else. He was staring off into space, feeling extremely raw after a fine performance that was filled with controversy.

They should have made a mistake in the build up to France’s first goal. They should have received another penalty. They should have played against 10 men, with Theo Hernandez not being sent away somehow after conceding his second penalty. Should. could have him. Will be.

This is the story of English football. But this one was especially difficult. Southgate had stated that “the sun will still shine tomorrow”. It will. It will not shine brightly. It will be a dark and stormy night for England, Kane, and their robbed fans. Southgate will also feel it. We will wait to see if this will be his last game. Or if he will fulfill the terms of his contract and attend the next European Championship in 18 month.