France is one massive step closer to becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles after defeating England in a highly entertaining, 2–1 quarterfinal win.
In one of the most anticipated quarterfinal matchups in recent memory, France and England lived up to the bill in a back-and-forth clash of European giants that featured plenty of drama. Aurélien Tchouaméni opened the scoring in the 17th minute, but England turned the tables on France in the second half with Harry Kane converting a 54th-minute penalty.
But after an Olivier Giroud goal in the 78th minute, Kane missed a second penalty that would have also seen him become England’s all-time leading goalscorer after tying Wayne Rooney’s record earlier in the match.
France will now go on to face Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Along with Kane’s record-tying performance, Hugo Lloris became France’s all-time men’s caps leader, passing Lilian Thuram with his 143rd appearance. The French captain came up huge for the side on his record-setting day with six saves in the end. To start the match, each side traded crosses into dangerous positions before Giroud put together a series of chances. First came a wild attempt at a scorpion kick on a pass from Mbappé, and then came a shot on target when his diving header was sent directly at England keeper Jordan Pickford in the 11th minute.
It didn’t take long for Les Bleus to take the lead with Tchouaméni putting France ahead in the 17th minute. As France passed the ball all around the edge of the area, Antoine Griezmann found Tchouaméni outside the box as the Real Madrid midfielder launched a low shot that found the bottom corner to make it 1–0.
Holders France are captained by Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper wins a record 143rd cap and overtakes Lilian Thuram, who had made the most appearances for Les Bleus before this World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe, who is the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, will start on the left of the French attack up against Kyle Walker, who plays at right-back for England.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has resisted the temptation to switch to a back five to combat Mbappe and sends out the same team as that which started the 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16.
It is the first-ever meeting of the nations in a major tournament knockout game, with their last competitive encounter coming in the group stage of Euro 2012.
The winners will play Morocco in the semi-finals in Al Khor on Wednesday.
Hugo Lloris (capt); Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (BRA)
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