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

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 England 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.”