Renowned for his ability to take penalties, Harry Kane brought hope to the English house against the France team on Saturday December 10 in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. The striker equalized at 1-1 but failed in the same exercise later, sealing the defeat and the new disillusionment of his people (2-1). An old and unfortunate English habit.
The song “Three Lions”, a grating hit reminiscent of the setbacks of the English national team, and its most famous verses ” It’s coming home, football’s coming home », still have a bright future ahead of them. The title had already been taken over a year and a half ago, when England lost in the final of the Euro at home, in London, against Italy. Thanks to the French teamthe song is still played bitterly, as the 2022 World Cup comes to an end for Gareth Southgate’s men.
Semi-finalists four years ago in Russia, England will not find the last four in Qatar. She had her chance against the reigning world champions. But the coin did not fall on the right side. Once again. And this time, the eyes are, inevitably and perhaps unfairly, on Harry Kane.
Rooney equaled
The story could have been beautiful for the Tottenham striker. Since his international debut seven years ago, the striker has been scoring goals like pearls. Before the start of this England-France shock, all observers knew that he was only one goal away from equaling the record of 53 achievements with the national team, held by Wayne Rooney.
So when Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio awarded England a penalty after the break for Aurélien Tchouaméni’s foul on Bukayo Saka, a murmur of excitement ran through the British fans. Because on penalty, Harry Kane is formidable, whether in club or in selection. It peaks at 85% of penalties transformed into a career. And in the World Cup, he had scored on his first three attempts.
The fourth also hit the mark. It was nice to have in front Hugo Lloris, new selection record with France and long-time Spurs teammate, the English captain did not fail. His powerful strike, high up, took the tricolor goalkeeper on the wrong foot. We then played the 54th minute, and thanks to Kane, England regained hope.
This “lose” who does not let go of the English
But it is not for nothing that it is said that this selection has been cursed since its only world title, in 1966. Depending on the era, it may be bad luck, lack of talent, lack of cohesion , or anything else… It doesn’t matter, the fact is that England systematically misses the mark. On penalty or in the exercise of shots on goal, fate often goes after her.
And like Gareth Southgate during Euro 1996 or David Beckham during Euro 2004, Harry Kane joins the list of cursed shooters in the final minutes. While France had just regained the advantage, the English obtained a new penalty, following a foul by Théo Hernandez on Mason Mount. Expert Kane grabbed the ball. This ball that could bring the two teams to 2-2. This ball which could be the one offering him alone the record of goals with the selection.
But this time, the nets did not shake. We were playing the 84th minute and the shot from the n°9 flew over the crossbar, and with it the English hopes. England stops in the quarter-finals and perpetuates its tradition of eternal “lose”. Coach Southgate, who knows a thing or two about it, came to his player’s aid after the final whistle: ” We win together, we lose together. (…) He was incredible for us and so reliable in these types of situations. We wouldn’t have gotten here without all those goals he scored for me. »
Comforting words, but which will probably not erase the pain of further disappointment for captain Kane.