France beat England 2-1 in a pulsating encounter in Qatar to set up a 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final date with Morocco.ย
The holders took the lead in the 17th minute through Aurelien Tchouameni. The Real Madrid midfielder bought a ticket from distance and won the raffle against Jordan Pickford in the England goal.
The Three Lions felt Bukayo Saka was fouled in the lead up to the goal, but the referee disagreed with them.
Harry Kane equalised for England in the 54th minute from the spot, tying Wayne Rooney record as his nationโs all-time leading goal scorer in the process.
Olivier Giroud restored Franceโs lead 12 minutes from time with a thumping header to beat Harry Maguire andย Pickford from point blank range.
England were awarded a second penalty after Theo Hernandez was adjudged to have barged into the back of substitute Mason Mount in the area. However, Kane blasted his second spot-kick well over the bar.ย
England also had a possible penalty appeal in the first half denied by the VAR after Kane appeared to be brought down on the edge of the French box by Dayot Upamecano.
Much of the credit for Les Blues win should go to skipper Hugo Lloris. The custodian made a catalogue of vital saves to keep France in the contest on the day he became his nation’s most-capped player.
