France captain Hugo Lloris (35) has said that their World Cup quarter-final opponent England were unlucky not to win the UEFA European Championship in 2021.
England reached the final of the delayed Euros in 2021, coming up against Italy in the final at Wembley Stadium. Despite taking an early lead through Luke Shaw, Italy hit back through Leonardo Bonucci in the second half, before going on to win on penalties.
However, Lloris believes that England were “unlucky” not to win the tournament. In a pre-match press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe, the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper reflected on the quality of Saturday’s opponent, stating, “There is progression. It is a very mature team, that was unlucky at the Euros. They weren’t far. They are here to win. There is a new, competitive generation that play at the biggest European clubs. There is a good mix between older and younger players.”
Lloris also said that the tie will have a “particular taste.” The French goalkeeper moved from Olympique Lyonnais to Tottenham in 2012. Whilst the England-France rivalry transcends football, there is also a personal aspect to the rivalry. “My two children were born in England. My daughters are in English schools, although they receive a French education,” he said.
Should he start, as expected, Lloris will pass Lilian Thuram’s record of 142 caps for Lea Bleus, which he equaled during France’s Round of 16 victory against Poland.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
