England's bid for glory in the 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Championships came to an end with defeat to reigning champions France in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Mark Mapletoft's side went down 52-31 to Les Bleuets at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, as France produced a storming comeback after falling 17-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes.
Chandler Cunningham-South, Alex Wills and Sam Harris all registered tries inside the opening 40 as England got to the break with a 24-14 advantage, but a France onslaught saw Les Bleuets race into a 42-24 lead heading into the final five minutes.
Cassius Cleaves crossed the line for England's fourth try of the day in the dying embers, but it was too little too late for Mapletoft's side, who missed out on a 10th appearance in the final and first since 2018.
England return to the Athlone Stadium in five days' time for their third-placed against South Africa, who were defeated 31-12 by France's upcoming final opponents Ireland.
Lower down the rankings, Wales overcame Georgia 40-21 to set up a fifth-placed match with Australia, who overcame Oceanic counterparts New Zealand 44-35.
