England players and coach declared after the match that they played better than the current world champions, France, and that they were worthy of advancing to the semi-finals of the Qatar Cup.
The 2-1 defeat at the Al Bayt stadium ended the English Team’s intention to win the world title for the second time – the first was in 1966, on English soil.
“It was a very difficult night, it’s hard to know that we lost, because we had the best chances in the game. We had a good competition. It was exciting to watch our games”, declared the center forward Harry Kane, who took two penalties, hitting one and missing another , which would result in a draw.
“I was comfortable at first [pênalti] and also in the second. Error in execution. It hurts now, it will probably hurt for a long time. But I’m a leader on the team and I took responsibility [de bater as penalidades]”, said the number 9 shirt.
Biggest name of the team and top scorer of the 2018 World Cup, in Russia, Kane ends the Qatar World Cup with two goals, far from the top of the list of scorers – the Frenchman Mbappé leads it, with five.
Despite the failure against France, he received praise from manager Gareth Southgate: “[Kane] it was always fantastic. We wouldn’t have made it this far [Copa do Mundo] without all the goals he scored for us”.
Regarding the match in Al Khor, the coach, who will talk to officials of the English football federation to decide whether or not to continue in charge, said that “for what we played, we deserved more, but in the end what counts are the goals”.
England had more ball possession than France (57% to 43%), finished more on goal (16 to 8), exchanged more passes (503 to 378) and committed fewer fouls (10 to 14) than the French. “We had the team to challenge for the title,” said Southgate.
The same feeling of frustration had midfielder Declan Rice and defender Harry Maguire. “We played well. The best team lost”, said the first. “I’m disappointed as I believed we could win the league. But that’s football, sometimes the best don’t win,” said the second.
Before losing to France, England defeated Iran (6-2), Wales (3-0) and Senegal (3-0, in the Round of 16) and drew with the USA (0-0).
Team captain Kane also said he was hopeful about the team’s performance at Euro 2024.
“We have a bright future, I hope the coach continues, I’m very happy with him. We have great young players, an excellent group that is reaching its best level.”
As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
