It was cruel, there was frustration in abundance as England fell at the World Cup quarter-final stage with a narrow defeat against current world champions France.
Les Bleus went in front with a stunning strike from Aurelien Tchouameni but got themselves back into the game when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second-half. The momentum seemed to be with Gareth Southgate’s side as they pressed forwards but they were punished for switching off as former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud headed the French back in front with 12 minutes remaining.
A foul on substitute Mason Mount gave Kane an opportunity to get England back on level-terms and make himself the senior men’s team’s all-time record goalscorer - but the Tottenham Hotspur striker sent his effort over the crossbar and that signalled the end of the World Cup dreams for Southgate’s men.
Here are Rahman Osman’s England player ratings after he witnessed the heartbreaking defeat in person.
9. MF: Jordan Henderson - 6
Was everywhere in the first-half and at a point in time playing as a winger as cover for Saka, who was drifting in the middle. A lot of people question his starting place but he is one of those who never really let England down. Was everywhere. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. LW: Phil Foden - 6
Didn’t see much of the ball in the first-half and when he did he had men around him, came into better form in the second-half. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. RW: Bukayo Saka - 7
Would feel he should have been given a foul before the attack that led to the first French goal. Then went on a good run to win the penalty that brought England back into it. Effective. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. ST: Harry Kane - 6
Unlucky not to have been given a penalty and used his body well to create openings in the first-half. Took his penalty with so much confidence to bring England back into it and equal Wayne Rooney’s record as the all-time top scorer, before missing another that would have got his side back on level-terms. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images