Harry Kane missed a crucial penalty as England crashed out of the World Cup quarter-finals (EPA)
Harry Kane says he takes responsibility for England’s World Cup exit following his late penalty miss against France.
England were given a golden opportunity to take the game to extra time after Theo Hernandez barged over Mason Mount in France’s penalty area.
But Kane, who had pulled England level from the penalty spot in the 54th minute, stepped up and blazed his effort high over Hugo Lloris’ crossbar.
Kane was visibly distraught at the full-time whistle and was consoled by his England teammates and manager Gareth Southgate.
When asked if it was fine margins that decided England’s 2-1 defeat to France, Kane told BBC Sport: ‘A margin that’s going to be hard to live with, for sure, for a period of time.
‘It’s tough to take for me personally and for the team.
France’s players were jubilant after Harry Kane’s penalty miss (AP)
‘I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. We had better spells, better chances in the game, but football comes down to small details, we paid the price for that today.
‘As the captain and the one who missed the penalty, I take responsibility for that.
‘I’m not someone who thinks too much about it. I prepare [the same] if I get one penalty or two penalties in a game. I can’t fault my preparation or the details before the game.
Gareth Southgate consoled Harry Kane after England’s defeat to France (AFP via Getty)
‘It didn’t feel any different. I felt confident taking it, I just didn’t execute it the way I wanted to. Of course, it will be something I have to live with and take on the chin.
‘All we can do is be proud of each other and know the team is in a really good place and try to look to the future.
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‘It’s a tournament where we played really well, had really great moments. Standing here now, we are gutted it has come to an end as we had full belief we could go all the way.
‘Like I said, it’s going to be hard to take. We’re going to have to go away and review it but we can be proud of what we’ve done. Quarter final wasn’t what we came here for, we wanted to go further but that’s football, that’s life, you have to take it and move on.’
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‘As the captain and the one who missed the penalty, I take responsibility for that.’