Top News

Harry Kane was left frustrated after the England captain’s calls for a penalty against DR Congo were dismissed by the match officials.

Thomas Tuchel’s team, considered favourites to advance from their round of 32 clash, conceded early when Brian Cipenga found the net in Atlanta, giving DR Congo an impressive start.

As England pressed for an equaliser close to half-time, Kane broke through the opposition defence and attempted to go around goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The England striker went to ground after appearing to feel contact from the Congolese goalkeeper, but referee Adham Makhadmeh immediately rejected the appeal, signalling that he believed Kane had simulated the fall.

The incident underwent a brief review by the video assistant referee, Khamis Al Marri, who decided not to advise Makhadmeh to check the pitchside monitor, instructing him instead to maintain his initial on-field judgment.

BBC commentator and former England forward Alan Shearer expressed his view that a penalty should have been awarded.

“There is contact, there is no doubt,” Shearer stated. “For me, that is a penalty.

“Kane might have exaggerated it, but the keeper rushed out with his hands extended. If he comes out like that, the forward has every right to make contact and go down.”

However, Wayne Rooney, serving as a pundit for the BBC’s broadcast, disagreed and argued that Kane was responsible for his own fall.

“I’m always supportive of the forwards, but I think Harry Kane trips himself slightly and leans into the goalkeeper,” Rooney said. “It looks like he initiated the contact, so it probably wasn’t a penalty.”