The Three Lions ran the World Cup holders close in Qatar but Didier Deschamps’ side were able to hold on for a 2-1 victory to set up a semi-final clash with Morocco on Wednesday.
Aurelien Tchouameni gave France an early lead, although England felt aggrieved after Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio failed to spot a foul on Bukayo Saka in the build up.
England equalised via Kane from the penalty spot but France took the lead again with 12 minutes remaining as Olivier Giroud got on the end of Antoine Griezmann’s superb cross from the left flank.
Kane then had the chance to pull England level for a second time in the 84th minute after Theo Hernandez barged over Mason Mount in France’s penalty area.
However, the England captain stepped up and blazed his effort high over the crossbar.
Mbappe was kept quiet for the majority of the evening by Kyle Walker but France’s talisman went wild on the pitch after watching Kane miss his crucial penalty.
Speaking after the game, France midfielder Adrien Rabiot admitted his side were fortunate to beat England.
‘I would not say that we doubted, there was a little suffering,’ Rabiot said.
‘There was always a block, a header, Hugo’s [Lloris] hand to get out of this situation. There was also a bit of luck with Kane missing the penalty.’
Meanwhile, Kane says he takes responsibility for England’s World Cup exit.
‘It’s tough to take for me personally and for the team,’ the England captain told BBC Sport.
‘I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. We had better spells, better chances in the game, but football comes down to small details, we paid the price for that today.
‘As the captain and the one who missed the penalty, I take responsibility for that.
‘I’m not someone who thinks too much about it. I prepare [the same] if I get one penalty or two penalties in a game. I can’t fault my preparation or the details before the game.
‘It didn’t feel any different. I felt confident taking it, I just didn’t execute it the way I wanted to. Of course, it will be something I have to live with and take on the chin.’
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