France overcame a fierce England attack in their World Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday as midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and veteran striker Olivier Giroud scored in a 2-1 victory. England captain Harry Kane equalised on a penalty after Les Bleus’ first goal but missed a second spot-kick. France now move into the semi-finals to face Morocco. Read our live blog for all the action that took place during the match.
When France struck in this close match, they did it in classic Les Bleus style: By weaving their opponents’ side of the field into a ribbon before Tchouaméni blasted home, and later sending a precise long ball into the box for Giroud to hammer into the net. The 61 minutes in between featured far less inspired offence, and a defence that allowed England forward Bukayo Saka to frequently handle the ball near the box.
The story for England will forever centre on their veteran striker Harry Kane, who missed a penalty shot that would have equalised with about eight minutes left in regular time. Kane had notched The Three Lions’ first goal on a penalty early in the second half. But fans will also remember how often he and his teammates, including younger players Saka and Phil Foden, created chances near France’s goal.
Managers Deschamps and Southgate opt for unchanged starting lineups
France manager Didier Deschamps and his England counterpart Gareth Southgate named unchanged starting lineups for their teams’ World Cup quarter-final match on Saturday.
Defending champions France start with Ousmane Dembélé, Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé up front, with the tournament’s top scorer set to battle it out with England right back Kyle Walker.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris wins a record-extending 143rd cap for Les Bleus, breaking a tie with 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram as Jordan Pickford gets his 50th cap between the England posts.
Three Lions forward Raheem Sterling, who is just back with his squad after returning to England following a burglary at his home, is on the bench.
It is the first ever meeting of the nations in a major tournament knockout game, with their last competitive encounter coming in the group stage of Euro 2012.
The winners will play Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Starting linueps:
France (4-3-3)
Hugo Lloris (c), Jules Koundé, Raphaël Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Antoine Griezmann, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembélé, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappé
England (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane (c), Phil Foden.