World Cup 2022: Okocha Reveals Why Harry Kane Missed Crucial Penalty vs France

• Harry Kane missed a glorious chance to draw England level against France, but he missed his second penalty
• The Tottenham captain had initially drawn the Three Lions level 1-1, but France restored their lead
• Mason Mount was brought down late in the game, but Kane missed his second attempt from the spot

Former Nigerian international Jay Jay Okocha has disclosed that England’s Harry Kane was nervous before taking a second spot-kick against France.

The Three Lions have crashed out of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 loss to Les Blues in the quarter-final.

Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring in the 17th minute for France when he fired home a stunner from outside the area to give his side the lead.

Nine minutes into the second half, Harry Kane drew England level from the spot after Bukayo Saka was brought down by France’s first goalscorer Tchouameni.

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Olivier Giroud then headed home from close range in the 78th minute to restore France’ lead, and Kane had another opportunity to level the game for the Three Lions again from the spot.

Mason Mount was brought down in the box by Hernandez, but the Tottenham skipper ballooned the ball way over the bar. Okocha said on SuperSport as per Complete Sports:

“I thought he was nervous. His nerves got the best of him. Penalty is a mind game, especially when you have scored one.

“You start wondering ‘should I go to the same corner, should I change anything’. Actually he was caught in two minds. But take nothing away from Les Bleus. They came with a game plan."

Mbappe reacts to Kane’s penalty miss

Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Kylian Mbappe could not hide his joy on the back of Harry Kane's penalty miss during England's enthralling quarter-final tie with France.

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Taking the same posture as the initial penalty, Kane prepared to level the score, but his effort flew over the post, much to the joy of the French players.

Key among the ecstatic Frenchmen was the competition's top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, who celebrated wildly after seeing Kane sky his effort from the spot.