England 1-2 France: World Cup quarter-final player ratings

Antoine Griezmann excelled for France but Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham were unlucky to be losers

England

Jordan Pickford The swerve and pace on Tchouaméni’s strike made it hard. Good saves from Giroud and Rabiot. But powerless to stop Giroud’s winner. 7/10

Kyle Walker Stayed disciplined and made sure not to leave England short at the back. But there was trouble when Mbappé had space to run at him. 7/10

John Stones Part of his job was to get his positioning right and help Walker with Mbappé. Could not cut out Griezmann’s cross for France’s second. 7/10

Harry Maguire Grazed the woodwork with a header at 1-1. Defended with vigour. But ultimately he will be remembered for losing Giroud for the winner. 6/10

Luke Shaw France targeted him and one cross from the right almost led to a goal. But Shaw stuck to his task and managed to keep Dembélé quiet. 7/10

Declan Rice Had his work cut out trying to mark Griezmann. Had to make a lot of interceptions and covering runs. Grew stronger as the game progressed. 8/10

Jordan Henderson Nobody could fault the veteran’s effort. Was a key part of England’s defensive display. But he often lacked composure in possession. 6/10

Jude Bellingham The 19-year-old looked raw at first. He tracked back well but lost too many duels. But his surging runs in the second half were impressive. 8/10

Bukayo Saka The winger lost the ball before France’s opener and lacked conviction in first half. But fine response. His dribbling terrified France after break. 8/10

Harry Kane Captain responded when England conceded, worrying France. But after scoring one penalty, it was astonishing to see him blaze the next over. 7/10

Phil Foden Another who woke up in the second half. His technical ability allowed him to wriggle out of tight spots when he was under pressure. 6/10

Substitutes: Raheem Sterling Unable to influence the game after replacing Saka. 6; Mason Mount Made an impact by winning the penalty. 7; Jack Grealish Came on for Stones during added time. 6; Marcus Rashford Bent free-kick inches over at the death. 6

France

Hugo Lloris The Tottenham goalkeeper denied Kane with two sharp saves during the first half. Another fine stop thwarted Bellingham. 8/10

Jules Koundé The Barcelona defender did not offer much in attack. He was more focused on trying to stop Foden and Shaw combining down the flank. 7/10

Raphaël Varane The centre-back managed to hold things together when England were pressing for a winner in the second half. His experience proved vital. 8/10

Dayot Upamecano Sparked the move that led to France’s first by winning possession off Saka. Had a couple of shaky moments when Kane rolled him. 6/10

Theo Hernandez The defender always wanted to support the attack. He was less certain when Saka began to wriggle into space. Conceded a silly penalty. 5/10

Aurélien Tchouaméni The 22-year-old was classy during the first half and scored a brilliant goal. But his inexperience flared when he fouled Saka for first penalty. 8/10

Adrien Rabiot The Juventus midfielder says that he has become more mature. This was evidence to support that claim. Rabiot was strong and energetic. 8/10

Ousmane Dembélé Hinted at danger whenever he had room on the right. But he sometimes leaves you wanting more. Let the game drift him by at times. 6/10

Antoine Griezmann Knitted attacks together and unbalanced England with clever movement. Kept drifting into space, two assists. Clever and selfless. 9/10

Kylian Mbappé So strong, quick and smart. Involved in the opener, turning Rice, and fired over near the end of the first half. England never looked settled. 7/10

Olivier Giroud France’s record scorer was never going to worry by running in behind but always a danger in the box. Threatened twice before making it 2-1. 8/10

Substitutes: Kingsley Coman The winger was quiet after replacing Dembélé. 6

Contributor

Jacob Steinberg at Al Bayt Stadium

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