France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has revealed that he shared a brief text exchange with Harry Kane following Les Bleus' World Cup 2022 quarter-final win over England.
The two Tottenham Hotspur teammates faced each other twice from the penalty spot on Saturday evening, with England being awarded their first spot kick after Aurelien Tchouameni brought down Bukayo Saka.
Kane kept his cool to crash home the spot kick after Tchouameni had given France the lead, but Olivier Giroud headed home his fourth goal of the World Cup to put the champions back in front.
However, Kane would attempt to make lightning strike twice from 12 yards after Theo Hernandez's barge on Mason Mount, but he sent his effort over the top of Lloris's crossbar.
Gareth Southgate's men could not claw their way back into the contest as France advanced to the final four, and Lloris has said that he messaged Kane after the contest.
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The France captain admitted that he struggled to find the right words to say to Kane, but he is confident that his Tottenham counterpart will recover from the disappointment.
"It's a difficult time for the England national team and Harry. We had a text after the game. It was not easy to find the words. He needed some time to rest," Lloris told a press conference.
"I think he can be proud of what he has done for the national team. In football history, many top players have missed penalties in their career - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo - but I have no doubt Harry will keep his chin up and help Tottenham and the national team to shine."
Kane has reportedly been given a week off before returning to Tottenham in the wake of England's exit, while France prepare to tackle Morocco in Wednesday's semi-final.
The Atlas Lions have made history as the first African team to ever reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, and they have not conceded once to an opposing player at the tournament so far.
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Either Argentina or Croatia will await the victors of Wednesday's game in the World Cup final, and Lloris is taking nothing for granted against Walid Regragui's outfit.
"It will be a hostile atmosphere inside the stadium, but we are ready for anything. Obviously, it is already a success for Morocco - but, believe me, they won't want to stop here," Lloris continued.
"They want to become even more of a hero for their country. We prepare to respond to the demands of a semi-final of a World Cup - it doesn't matter the opponent."
Following the World Cup, Lloris and Kane will reunite at Tottenham for their return to Premier League action away to Brentford on Boxing Day.
Antonio Conte's side have already beaten Motherwell 4-0 during their winter friendly period and will also take on Nice on December 21 before resuming competitive duties.
Ben Knapton
