‘It will be something I have to live with’ – Kane takes responsibility for England exit
Harry Kane took responsibility for England’s World Cup exit after blazing a late penalty over the bar in the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to France, saying he will “have to live with” the error.
England more than matched France during Saturday’s tense quarter-final at Al Bayt Stadium, with Kane cancelling out Aurelien Tchouameni’s opener from the spot after the France midfielder fouled Bukayo Saka in the area.
However, Olivier Giroud restored the holders’ lead with 12 minutes remaining, and Kane was unable to score again when Theo Hernandez conceded a second penalty six minutes from time, firing over the crossbar.
The miss saw Kane squander the chance to surpass Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time top goalscorer with his 54th international strike, while the Three Lions fell to their seventh World Cup quarter-final elimination – a tournament record.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the defeat, England’s captain fronted up to his mistake and praised his team-mates for going toe-to-toe with the world champions.
“It’s tough to take for me personally and for the team,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. We had better spells, better chances, but football comes down to small details.
“As the captain and the one who missed the penalty, I take responsibility for that. I can’t fault my preparation or the details before the game.
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