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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross

England vs France player ratings as Bukayo Saka "sensational" despite World Cup exit

England were knocked out of the World Cup by France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Harry Kane equalled Wayne Rooney's goal record for the Three Lions with a second-half penalty but missed a second spot kick as Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud's goals sent France through to a semi-final meeting with Morocco.

France took the lead in stunning fashion, Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni rifling home a low drive from 25 yards in the 17th minute. England's players complained about a foul at the other end of the pitch on Bukayo Saka but the goal stood.

A lengthy VAR check for another foul was eventually waved away after Harry Kane was downed by Dayot Upamecano although the contact seemingly came just outside the France penalty area.

England did finally get their penalty when Saka was taken out by Tchouameni before Kane dispatched goal No.53 for this country. Harry Maguire scraped the post with a header while Jordan Pickford made a brilliant instinctive save to deny Giroud.

Giroud was given a second fatal second chance which he didn't pass up to put the French back ahead after Griezmann's stunning cross. Kane could have sent it to extra-time but blazed his second penalty over the bar.

Mirror Football's John Cross was at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar and ran the rule over the two sets of players. Here is how he rated the Three Lions and Les Bleus...

England (4-3-3)

Jordan Pickford 7

Could have done better with France’s opener - but made amends with top saves.

Kyle Walker 8

Limited Mbappe and played him better than everyone else at this World Cup.

John Stones 8

What a class act. Has enjoyed a terrific tournament and showed his quality again.

Harry Kane reacts to missing a penalty against France (Getty Images)

Harry Maguire 8

Every time he pulls on the England shirt, he changes into a hero. Terrific.

Luke Shaw 7

Dembele gave him a hard time early on, but Shaw turned it around and did well.

Declan Rice 8

Magnificent in England’s midfield engine room. Tackled, blocked, was superb.

Jordan Henderson 7

Has been a steadying presence in midfield and used his experience to good effect.

Jude Bellingham 8

Never intimidated, fearless, has been superb in this tournament. So close to scoring.

Bukayo Saka 9

Sensational. He’s come of age in this World Cup and this was his best night.

Bukayo Saka wins England's first penalty (Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Phil Foden 6

Struggled to get onto the ball and involved in the game. Got better as game wore on.

Harry Kane 8

Heartbreak for Kane. Scored one, missed one but is still a hero.

Substitutes

Grealish, Sterling, Rashford, Trippier, Pope, Phillips, Dier, Coady, Alexander-Arnold, Mount, Ramsdale, Wilson, Maddison, Gallagher

France (4-2-3-1)

Hugo Lloris 8

Made a string of superb saves to deny both Kane and Bellingham. Excellent.

Theo Hernandez 6

Was given the runaround by Saka, struggled badly and conceded a penalty.

Dayot Upamecano 6

Looked vulnerable up against Kane, lucky not to concede a penalty. Tough night.

Jude Bellingham shows his frustration (Getty Images)

Raphael Varane 7

The better of France’s two centre halves, often dropped off as the spare man.

Jules Kounde 7

The better of France’s two full backs as he did a job on Foden. Solid.

Adrien Rabiot 7

Got his chance because of injuries - and has grabbed it with both hands.

Aurelien Tchouameni 7

What a strike. He’s France’s answer to Jude Bellingham and is no weak link.

Ousmane Dembele 8

His battle with Shaw was as fierce as Walker v Mbappe. So quick and sharp.

Olivier Giroud celebrates his winner (Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe 8

So devastating and quick whenever he put the after burners on. Brilliant player.

Antoine Griezmann 7

Provided the assist for the opener, is enjoying a sensational tournament.

Olivier Giroud 8

France’s hero once again. His strength and determination causes havoc.

Substitutes

Pavard, Disasi, Guendouzi, Kolo Muani, Fofana, Veretout, Mandanda, Saliba, Coman, Aréola, Konaté, Camavinga, Thuram

Referee : Wilton Pereira Sampaio 5

Man of the match: Bukayo Saka. Had a sensational game. A world class superstar in the making.

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