Didi Hamann has questioned the mental strength of this England side as they came short in a major tournament yet again.
Didi Hamann was speaking as France moved one step closer to defending their World Cup despite an average performance in a 2-1 win over Gareth Southgate's side.
Oliver Giroud's winner in the 78th minute meant it was disappointment for England yet again in a major tournament. This will hurt possibly more than other tournaments, given how well they played, and had France on the ropes.
While all the talk was of about Kylian Mbappe in the build up to the game, England kept him quiet for majority of the game. It was another young star in Tchouaméni who opened the scoring with a long range strike.
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GOAL FRANCE!
Aurelien Tchouameni with a stunning strike as Jordan Pickford couldn't stretch his arms out long enough to save.
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📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPrCaZ#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/eLux35i0nz— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
England were by far the better side and grabbed a deserved equaliser through a penalty from Harry Kane after Bukayo Saka was brought down.
Hugo Lloris kept France level with some big saves, and they regained the lead through Oliver Giroud's powerful header.
Harry Kane was gifted an opportunity to draw England level when Mason Mount was bundled over in the box, but he blazed over his penalty as England fell short once again.
🏴1-2🇫🇷
Harry Kane blazes over from the penalty spot!
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📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/skbbl1J3mt— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
Didi Hamann Questions England Mentally
A World Cup semi-final, a Euro 2020 final and tonight's quarter-final exit is England's record in tournaments under Gareth Southgate.
While it's a vast improvement on those before him, Didi Hamann has questioned England's mental strength to go that step further in major tournaments.
While it is a side full of young talent, Didi Hamann has questioned not only tonight, but previous failures by England in major tournaments.
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🗣️'Good teams or outstanding teams find ways to win games, average teams find ways not to win or lose games.'@DietmarHamann and @StephenKelly_2 discuss England's latest tournament exit.
📺@rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/2Ypq1iIGFP— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
In 2018, they are winning against Croatia in the semis, lose that game. Against Italy last year in the Euros in the final, Italy was there for the taking and they find a way to get beat.
Today, they are the better side, they find a way to get beat. I always say, good teams or outstanding teams find a way to win games. Average teams, find a way not to win or lose games.
For all the talent they've got, they've got a semi-final, they've got a final, and now a quarter final to show for. If you don't win a trophy or a title with those group of players, they won't bring these players through in the next 10 or 15 years.
These guys, they've got close, but you've got to for that final step. In football or in life, you only get so many chances. When you do get them chances, you have to take them."
Strong words from Hamann on another disappointing night for England. While this squad will be back for EURO 2024, it remains to be seen if Gareth Southgate will.
SEE ALSO: ITV Commentary Was Incredibly Biased To England In Defeat To France
