Harry Maguire on England's loss to France: 'We were the better team but big decisions went against us'

Harry Maguire made his displeasure with the referee known in his post-match interview after England bowed out of the World Cup to France in the quarter-final.

Speaking after the 2-1 defeat, Maguire explained to reporters: "We’re hurt in there, really disappointed.

"Listen, we were the better team in the game for sure. I think anyone watching who’s neutral will say we dominated the game for large periods.

"Big decisions went against us, a lot of decisions went against us, should I say.

"We fought, we kept going, kept pushing, we created chance after chance and they’ve been clinical in two moments and that’s why they’re the world champions, and I’ll probably say that’s why they’re favourites for the tournament."

The Manchester United defender added: "I think the referee’s decision-making throughout the game was really poor.

"We always stand here and as players we get criticised – so it would be nice to see if he comes out and says whether he’s had a good game or not.

"Because there were so many decisions in that first half where they made five, six early fouls.

"I think H [Harry Kane] was outside the box but it was a clear foul, he didn’t in the second half, Bukayo’s [Saka] is a clear foul leading up to their first goal.

"Big moments, big decisions, you expect to get some right but unfortunately tonight we didn’t get any."

England were let down by poor refereeing and, of course, Gareth Southgate's poor tactics and selection for the big game.

Kane's missed penalty added to the Three Lions' woes as they now prepare to return from Qatar.

Source: Bein Sports