'It's come down to small details' - Harry Kane reflects on England's QF defeat against France in FIFA World Cup

Harry Kane (Source: Twitter)

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is not coming home for England as France beat them 2-1 to put their title charge to an end. France drew first blood with a goal from Aurelien Tchouameni in the 17th minute. Then Harry Kane scored a goal via a penalty and put England on the scoresheet in the 54th minute. But ultimately France had the last laugh as Olivier Giroud helped France win in the end with a clinical header.

Kane had a chance to score an equaliser in the dying moments of the game, through a penalty which he missed and with it, England’s chances in the World Cup went up in smoke. England manager Gareth Southgate had words of encouragement for Kane who failed to deliver the goods at a time when it mattered most. Southgate has two years left on his England contract and said he would need some time to ‘reflect and review’ post the World Cup exit.

"A World Cup is every four years. It is a long time to wait. I am proud of the boys. We had a great camp, a great World Cup and it's come down to small details which I'll take responsibility for," said Harry Kane as quoted by Sky Sports. "I am not worried about the team and how it is going to affect them. We've got some great talent. It'll hurt, not just for me but everyone involved, but that's football, that's sport. You have to take that on the chin sometimes and move forward," He further stated.

I need some time to reflect - Gareth Southgate

"For me, we win and lose as a team and we have let a couple of goals in and missed a few chances. Harry has been incredible for us, so reliable in those sorts of situations. We would not be here but for the number of goals he scored for us," Southgate said to Sky Sports. "It is very difficult when you get a second penalty and a goalkeeper who knows you so well (both Kane and Lloris play for club Tottenham Hotspur), so there is a lot involved in that situation. He is the best but even the best are going to miss at times. He added.

"He has been a fantastic leader of this group through this tournament, I thought his performance tonight was his best of the tournament," "After every tournament we have sat down and reviewed and reflected. So we need a bit of time to make sure everyone makes the right decisions," Southgate said. ."Whenever I have finished these tournaments, I have needed time to make the correct decisions because emotionally you go through so many different feelings. The energy it takes through these tournaments is enormous," He further added.