Harry Kane was referred to as a “true leader” by David Beckham after the striker missed a crucial penalty in England’s 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal loss to France on Saturday.
Following Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range goal, Kane already scored from the penalty spot to tie the game for the Three Lions. However, with 12 minutes remaining, Olivier Giroud scored a goal to put France back in front.
Mason Mount was knocked over by Theo Hernandez in the France box, giving England a wonderful opportunity to tie the score again.
As France held on to eliminate Gareth Southgate’s team from the competition, Kane took the penalty kick once more but blasted his second attempt well over the crossbar.
Due to his petulant kick on Diego Simeone in England’s 1998 round-of-16 loss to Argentina on penalties, Beckham is no stranger to World Cup heartbreak.
Beckham received harsh criticism for the incident, and he wants England fans to support Kane the way they did not for him in 1998.
David Beckham’s statement
Taking to Instagram, David Beckham wrote:
“It takes a true leader to step up in these moments and that’s what our captain [Kane] did.
“Our boys will continue to grow. It’s always the worst feeling waking up after being knocked out of a tournament but our players, Gareth [Southgate] the staff and all our fans can be proud of this team.
“The next time it will be a different ending. We walk away with our heads held high.”
