FIFA World Cup (WC) favourites France booked their place in the last four, defeating tournament top-scorers England in an enthralling quarter-final meeting.
The opening stages of the game – a fixture not seen at the World Cup since England beat France 3-1 in 1982 – were characterised by quick transitions, and within 20 minutes, Les Bleus were ahead courtesy of an incisive counter-attack.
Harry Kane was heavily involved as the Three Lions searched for a response, and he was bundled over by Upamecano on the edge of the area, but once again nothing was given, ensuring the French would lead at HT.
However, that lead looked precarious straight after the break with Jude Bellingham and Harry Maguire each coming close in quick succession.
That goal seemingly elevated the pace of the contest, as England stepped up a gear, clipping the post via a Maguire header, before Luke Shaw’s dangerous cross caused momentary panic.
Antoine Griezmann’s whipped cross found France’s all-time record scorer in the box, allowing Giroud to power a header in off Maguire.
Substitute Mason Mount was aggressively bundled over in the box by Theo Hernández, resulting in a make-or-break late penalty for the usually reliable Kane.
