England out of World Cup after Harry Kane penalty miss against France

The penalty had been conceded by Theo Hernandez. It was an extraordinary rush of blood from the full-back, who barged into the back of the England substitute Mason Mount as they chased a high ball that was going over both of them. But an even bigger one was to come.

There would be no late sting and, for the umpteenth time, England were left to reflect upon a bitter hard-luck story. This was supposed to be the night when everything came together against the world champions, mentality aligning with quality, the lessons of the past helping England to a famous victory. It did not happen.

The focus will turn towards what Gareth Southgate does next. Will he continue into a fourth tournament campaign? More immediately and painfully for him and the country was the defeat. England matched France for long spells. They were denied on occasions by Hugo Lloris on the occasion of his record-breaking 143rd cap. And, at the very end, Marcus Rashford was narrowly off target with a free-kick. Kane looked broken at full time. So did everybody in England colours.

France had eased on to the front foot at the outset, working their patterns with no little slickness.

Jordan Pickford had plenty of time to see it. As it headed to his right-hand corner, he flung himself across. He was at full strength but it was not enough. It would be a sinking feeling for him and England.

Dayot Upamecano had started the move with a challenge on Bukayo Saka that England had insisted was a foul. The Brazilian referee, Wilton Sampaio, said no.

England stayed calm and Kane led the fightback, getting into a couple of physical duels with Upamecano and winning them. Kane cleverly rolled the centre-half after a Saka pass into him and he had a chance from an angle on the right. Lloris was out smartly to block.

There was also the moment on 25 minutes when Kane again got away from Upamecano and headed for the right-hand edge of the box. He felt his marker sweep his legs away from him as he entered it but neither Sampaio nor the VAR were moved by the penalty claim.

Luke Shaw had banged a free-kick straight at Lloris before the goalkeeper clawed away a deflected Kane effort from distance. From the corner there was an almighty scramble but France cleared.

England nursed a grievance with Sampaio, who looked to be guessing some of the time, but they retained their focus and their punch upon the second-half restart. It was an impressive show of character, of belief in their approach, and they deserved the equaliser.

It was Saka who won the first penalty after a give-and-go with Bellingham, Tchouaméni stretching in for the tackle but getting there too late. Saka was too quick. Mbappé had a rather showy word with Lloris as Kane prepared himself, trying to spook the England captain. It was never going to work.