Harry Kane’s penalty equalized the score after England fell early in the first half, but Olivier Giroud put France back in front.
England’s World Cup hopes are dashed after losing to France in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s side was assured of a semi-final berth, having reached the semi-finals in 2018 and then finishing in second place at the European Championship last year.
Harry Kane’s penalty equalized the score after England fell early in the first half, but Olivier Giroud put France back in front.
Kane got another opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot, but he missed the target, and England lost 2-1.
After the game, Southgate was asked if he believed his players deserved more, and he told ITV: “I believe performance played a role, but in the end, goals are decisive.
“I believe they could not have contributed much more. They have performed admirably against a great squad.”
He refused to criticize England’s captain for missing a penalty kick, stating: “I believe that we win and lose as a team.
“We have conceded a few goals and lost several opportunities.
“He has been incredibly helpful and dependable in these instances.
If not for the number of goals he has scored for us, we would not be here.
Aurélien Tchouaméni gave France the lead in the 16th minute with a powerful strike that went through Jude Bellingham’s legs and past Jordan Pickford’s dive.
Despite England’s claims that Bukayo Saka was fouled during the buildup, the goal was allowed to stand.
Shortly thereafter, England had strong claims for a penalty when Kane was brought down on the edge of the penalty box, but after a VAR review, play continued.
In the 51st minute, as England appeared to regain control in the second half, Saka surged into the box and was hauled down; the referee immediately awarded a penalty.
Kane blasted the ball into the top corner to even the score and tie Wayne Rooney’s record as England’s all-time leading scorer.
Nonetheless, in the 78th minute, Giroud outjumped Harry Maguire and powered a header past Pickford off a cross by Antoine Griezmann.
France will now play Morocco, following the Atlas Lions’ victory against Portugal on Saturday.
