Hugo Lloris admitted that while he is delighted that France progressed to the semifinals at England’s expense, he is saddened by the disappointment that Harry Kane is feeling.
Lloris has been at Tottenham for over a decade and has witnessed Kane’s journey from the club’s academy set-up to becoming one of the best strikers in the world.
The Frenchman would have faced penalties from the 29-year-old a number of times in training over the years and had to do so twice with the whole world watching on Saturday.
While Kane struck the first one into the top corner with authority, he failed to keep his composure for the second spot-kick, which ultimately meant that England bowed out of the competition.
The Three Lions captain took to social media to take full responsibility for England’s elimination but Lloris insisted that the striker is a strong enough personality to overcome the disappointment.
The France captain told talkSPORT: “There were a lot of emotions out there because we were in the middle of a battle and at the end, we were all very happy.
“But on a personal level, I am also saddened because Harry is a teammate, a man whom I respect enormously and someone who took responsibility in a crucial moment of the game.
“It was a turning point of the match and I can only share this moment of pain with him. But I know that Harry is strong and that this hurt will pass for him.”
Lloris, who become France’s most-capped player on Saturday, also showered praise on Gareth Southgate’s men for the performance they delivered.
The goalkeeper added: “It was a difficult match against a very, very good English team who deserve a lot of praise because it was a great battle right to the end.
“I was much more involved in this game than in any other match at this tournament, but that was only what we expected against these opponents.
“I cannot hide the fact that it was a special evening for me to make my 143rd appearance for my country against the English, a country in which I have been playing for ten years.
“This England team is very strong, their midfield created a lot of space, they were hard-hitting in attack and they have a number nine who is among the best in the world.
“But we stayed strong in the storm, we were solid in the important moments and we hurt them when necessary. It was a great reward for all our preparation for this match and we have to congratulate everyone for all their hard work.
“The best way to celebrate that work was to win the game and this result has given us even more confidence for the semi-final against Morocco.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Lloris and Kane are not just teammates but they are also extremely close friends off the pitch, which might have played on the England captain’s mind when he stepped up for those spot kicks. Hugo is right in saying that if there is one player who can put this sort of disappointment behind him quickly, it is Kane.