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.
13. SUB: Marcus Rashford - 5
Another late sub who just didn’t get going after the Harry Kane penalty miss. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. SUB: Raheem Sterling - 5
Late sub but just did not affect the game as much as he would have liked. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
15. SUB: Mason Mount - 5
Came in and made an instant impact by running off his man and winning a penalty. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
16. SUB: Jack Grealish - 5
No time to make an impact after being brought on deep in injury-time. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images