On a night of shocks and surprises, England were unable to replicate the magic as their World Cup campaign ended after 2-1 defeat to current World Champions France in the quarter finals.
Hours earlier Morocco added to their underdog story with a 1-0 win over Portugal advancing to the semi-finals to face the winners of the England v France match.
Morocco’s match was filled with suspense and excitement, but for England theirs would be left in heartbreak, controversy and an appearance from their old friend, penalties.
With an even opening it was Didier Deschamps’s France who netted first. A slight switch off from England left them punished; the midfield had gaps which France capitalised on and ultimately a lack of closing down led to a long shot goal from Aurélien Tchouaméni finding the back of the net, Jordan Pickford seeing it too late.
In the build up to the goal Bukayo Saka was seemingly fouled in his own half but the referee waved play on leading to the goal, VAR was also unmoved in a game which would see the officials heavily criticised for their controversy decisions.
Saka himself would spend much of the match with a target on his back, having numerous fouls inflicted on him.
The first half saw spurts of good play with France unable to find their rhythm and yet England remained second best going into the break.
Despite being 1-0 down, England’s heads didn’t drop as they fought hard, with the equalising in the second half generating a new surge of energy.
The needed chance presented itself after Saka was fouled in the box, and the referee made his first assertive decision for England pointing straight to the spot after denying them a penalty in the first half.
Harry Kane took to the penalty spot face-to-face with fellow Tottenham player Hugo Lloris. Teammate v teammate, captain v captain.
A powerful charge into the left corner saw Kane give England their first goal of the match and level the score.
Harry Maguire later attempted to give England a score advantage but his header was kept out by the post.
Sadly with just 13 minutes remaining France’s top goal scorer Olivier Giroud put his team ahead once again with an exceptional ball played into the box by Griezmann which met the head of Giroud who beat Declan Rice in the air.
After being on the pitch for less than one minute Mason Mount had a potential game changing involvement, getting into a great position in the box but was completely taken out before the ball reached him.
Unsurprisingly the controversial referee initially didn’t witness anything wrong but a VAR check secured England their second penalty.
England’s Mr Reliable (Kane) stepped up once again but blazed the ball over the bar, sending a mixture of shock and relief across the stadium, as England’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals against Morocco went flying out of sight with the ball.
In a cruel twist of fate, history reared its ugly head with England knocked out of a title race because of penalties (although this time round it was slightly different).
Yet, the Three Lions had a good game and a strong overall World Cup campaign despite their numerous obstacles. England should be proud of their achievements, topping their group and with the younger players really making their mark and proving the future of England’s team have a lot more to give.
France will now play Morocco in the semi-finals with the winners meeting in the final on Sunday 18th against either Croatia or Argentina.