France are through the World Cup semi-finals, England are going home. There will be much discussion over the coming days that has resulted in that outcome, but the die has been cast in terms of the result.
The English may well count themselves unfortunate to come away with a loss, although they only have themselves to blame. They failed to make their period of dominance in the second half count, with Harry Kane also missing a penalty late on to level the scores.
In the end, Olivier Giroud had the decisive impact in the game.
The big striker would score the winner, showing some great movement to get free in the box and steer home the winning header.
🏴1-2🇫🇷
Olivier Giroud was once again the hero for France, thanks to this headed goal.
📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/3cyajFulcv— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
It was typical of the Frenchman in what has been a very impressive tournament from his perspective. Often under-appreciated over the course of his career, he has put in some top performances and broken France's all-time goalscoring record in the process.
He was always likely to have a big impact on tonight's game, although Lee Hendrie didn't seem to get that message.
Lee Hendrie has Steve McClaren moment on Sky Sports
The former midfielder, who made one England appearance during his career, was appearing on Sky Sports before the game between England and France when he was asked for his opinion on how it might play out.
He took the opportunity to name one player he was confident wouldn't have much of an impact: Olivier Giroud.
🗣️ “I look at [Olivier] Giroud and he doesn’t worry me.”@leehendrie77 says he believes England will keep Olivier Giroud quiet this evening. #FRA #ENG #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/UlMSf614dA
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 10, 2022
That's one centre forward (I'm not worried about). Records speak for themselves, he has scored a hell of a lot of goals.
I said it this morning, I look at Giroud and he doesn't worry me with the backline we've got.
You couldn't make it up.
Of course, this statement would remind you of a very similar moment involving Steve McClaren on the same channel during Euro 2016.
Steve McClaren's reaction when Iceland scored THAT winner will forever be iconic. 😶🤣
Brutal result, amazing television. 😫😂 pic.twitter.com/ZHiVyWw0Rl— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) November 13, 2019
At least Hendrie was spared the humiliation of having Giroud score immediately after he said it.
There will be quite a few eating humble pie across the Irish Sea at the moment after the last few days, including those at The Sun after their embarrassing ads in Paris yesterday.
If there is one thing we do know after this latest exit, it's that they will never learn.
SEE ALSO: Roy Keane Called A Spade A Spade After England's World Cup Loss To France
