The England men’s football team have done their country proud (Picture: James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Gary Lineker and Dan Walker are among the celebrities who have expressed their sympathy and support for England after they lost to France in the World Cup, ending their dream of holding the winner’s trophy aloft.
In tonight’s quarter-final in Qatar, Gareth Southgate’s side put on a stellar performance, equalising with France thanks to a beautiful penalty from captain Harry Kane.
However, after France secured the lead with a 2-1 goal from Olivier Giroud, a second penalty from Kane proved unsuccessful, with the Tottenham Hotspur star kicking the ball above the crossbar.
After the referee blew the full-time whistle, fans across the nation immediately began expressing their support for the devastated England players, particularly Kane.
‘Heartbreaking once again, but no shame in losing to an excellent French team and congratulations to them. There was so little to choose between the two sides. This fine young @England team gave their all and will only get better. Their time will come,’ pundit Lineker tweeted.
Channel 5 presenter Walker wrote: ‘Well done France. Fine margins. England exits often produce criticism and finger pointing but they’ve been really good to watch at this #WorldCup.’
He continued: ‘Southgate’s side have played some decent stuff and shown a real togetherness under a manager who remains the best man for the job.’
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, wrote: ‘Commiserations to our brilliant England men’s team. You’ve done our country proud.’
Meanwhile, House of Games’ Richard Osman gave Kane a special shoutout, commenting: ‘That’s football, sometimes it goes against you. Gutted for Harry. Allez Morocco!’
Head coach Gareth Southgate consoled Kane after the match (Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP)
BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty expressed her disappointment by simply tweeting a broken-heart emoji, while Piers Morgan remarked: ‘The hurt continues.’
‘Ricky Gervais added: ‘Amazing game, to be fair. We usually lose on penalties and this time we lost on just 1. Congrats to France. They got us back for Agincourt, so now we’re even. Friends again.’
With England now out of the tournament, France will now go on to face Morocco in the semi-final as they inch closer to the possibility of reaching the final.
Morocco are the first African team ever to have made it to this stage of the competition, having beaten Portugal in a stunning victory.
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The England men’s football team have done their country proud.
