Wayne Rooney delivers Harry Kane dive verdict as England denied penalty in World Cup clash

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

Evening Standard

1 July 2026

Controversial moment before half-time goes against England

Harry Kane

was adjudged to have dived in an attempt to win

England

a penalty in their

World Cup

round of 32 clash against

DR Congo

The incident occurred shortly before half-time, and just moments after Yoane Wissa spurned a great chance to double DR Congo’s lead as he hit the post from close range.

However, the major talking point from the half was the non-penalty.

Kane was sent clear through on goal but as he touched the ball around Lionel Mpasi, he went to ground and appealed for a spot-kick, and the chance to bring the

Three Lions

level.

Replays showed that Axel Tuanzebe had given Kane a slight push, knocking him off balance before contact from Mpasi.

Referee, Adham Mohammad, did not point to the spot and made the gesture that the

Bayern Munich

striker had dived, though a yellow card was not produced.

The decision then went to a VAR review - and to the shock of all

supporters as well as Thomas Tuchel - it was not overturned as they stuck with the on-field decision.

Surprisingly,

Wayne Rooney

- on commentary for BBC - delivered his verdict on the appeal during the half-time break, saying it was the right decision.

“I’m all for the forwards but I just think he trips himself a little bit and then he jumps into the goalkeeper,” Rooney said.

“Yes there is contact, but I just think by that little trip and jumping into him with two feet a little bit, I think it’s probably the right decision.

“He stubs his toe into the ground and then he jumps into the goalkeeper.

“The goalkeeper has rushed out, he’s left himself in a position where the referee could give the penalty, but I just think it looks like he’s [Kane] dived into him so I think it’s probably not a penalty.”

Who England will face in World Cup last-16 as opponents confirmed

Harry Kane double saves England from their worst World Cup defeat ever

Football365

World Cup: Kane hits brace in England comeback to eliminate Congo DR

Bulinews

England 2-1 DR Congo: Harry Kane brace completes comeback as Three Lions advance in World Cup knockouts

England player ratings vs DR Congo as Harry Kane saves Three Lions inspires thrilling World Cup comeback

The Independent

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...