‘It’s an utter sadness’: How the world reacted to France’s quarter-final win over England

It was another night of World Cup pain for England as France overshadowed a thrilling quarter-final 2-1. Harry Kane’s missed penalty as Gareth Southgate’s side went a goal down in the second half proved crucial as the reigning champions set up a semi-final date with Morocco on Wednesday.

England played well but ended up on the wrong side of the scoreline, as they have done so many times. The fact that Kane and company played so well but will not be participating in this World Cup dominated the conversation after the final whistle.

What the experts said

Gary Neville said on ITV that Southgate’s men were the better side.

“It’s an absolute shame we have to wait four years to do it again. [England] He played well in that game against a very good side and I thought they beat them,” said the former England right-back.

Neville pondered how the team would feel in the dressing room knowing Morocco would be their shock semi-final opponents.

“I think the boys will think it’s a missed opportunity. They’re in good shape and in good spirits, you’d think they’d have their chances against Morocco,” he added.

One of the reasons France and not England are in the last four is Kane’s missed penalty in the second half. And Ian Wright joined Neville on ITV to praise the England captain.

“It’s double bluffing because you know you’ve gone to one side [with the first penalty] you go to another,” Wright said. “Harry Kane caught a bit too much, he was just trying to make sure it was right. I would still give him any punishment he would take for me.

“I remember hearing Roberto Baggio in ’94, he said he has no control over what he’s doing. He’s trying to go to the same side as the first penalty and he’s trying to make sure Lloris is going in the right direction. He seemed to lean back back and it went over.”