World Cup 2026: Should England have had a penalty for challenge on Harry Kane?

Published

13 minutes ago

July 1, 2026

As Cann mentioned, the pundits in the BBC TV studio were split on whether a spot-kick should have been awarded with former England striker Wayne Rooney not convinced Kane was fouled.

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

“I think it looks like he has dived into him, so it probably isn’t a penalty.”

However, the ex-Manchester United man was in the minority.

“If it’s on my water bottle, I am working out where Kane’s next penalty is going to be,” former England keeper Joe Hart told BBC One.

“Mpasi will be delighted to when he looks up and sees the referee not giving it, because I would expect that to be given against me.”

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards added: “I just think Lionel Mpasi touches Harry Kane, so I want that as a penalty.”

The pundits on BBC Radio 5 Live believe Kane did create the contact but were in agreement it was a foul by Mpasi.

“Definite penalty,” added former Lionesses captain Steph Houghton. “I think even though Kane has initiated the contact, where else is he supposed to go when Mpasi comes out that quick?

“I’m so shocked the VAR didn’t overturn the decision to be honest.”

Ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who played for England at the 2006 World Cup, said: “If England are to lose then there will be a question asked for a long time because it’s a stonewall penalty.

“Harry Kane initiates the contact but the contact is there. He’s very clever, very experienced and he goes into the goalkeeper.”

Relief for England as Kane heads in equalising goal against DR Congo

Published

5 minutes ago

July 1, 2026

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Harry Kane heads in from Anthony Gordon’s cross as England equalise against DR Congo in their round of 32 game in Atlanta.

Could Rangers make Scotland’s Lewis Ferguson marquee signing?

Published

21 minutes ago

July 1, 2026

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However, perhaps above all, Ferguson would return home a leader having captained Bologna since 2023.

His uncle Barry was a legendary captain at Ibrox, winning multiple domestic honours and also managing the team on an interim basis last year. Dad Derek played for Rangers between 1983 and 1990.

Fans of the club have long lamented a lack of leadership within their squad, and with former long-term captain James Tavernier gone and goalkeeper Jack Butland departing, experience has left the squad.

The arrival of Lawrence Shankland should help fill that void, and Ferguson would too. The Scotland duo, plus McCrorie, also fit into McInnes’ idea of needing a Scottish core running through his squads.

A break clause in Shankland’s Hearts contract allowed Rangers to snap him up for nothing, while McCrorie rejoined for a reported fee of £1.5m.

Both deals represent shrewd business for two Premiership-proven players, but it will likely take a hefty bid, in Scottish football terms, to bring back Ferguson.

With doubt surrounding the future of Nicolas Raskin, a sizeable fee for the Belgium midfielder, who is also featuring at the World Cup, could help supplement a potential statement replacement in Ferguson.

The Ibrox ownership showed last season they are happy to spend big, but whether they spent well was another debate.

Ferguson would be a more risk-averse option in that regard, given his prior Premiership pedigree and subsequent development, as Rangers aim to avoid another trophyless season after last term’s sobering third-place finish.

Sports

Wimbledon: Defending champions Jannik Sinner beats Nuno Borges

Published

27 minutes ago

July 1, 2026

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World number one Jannik Sinner overcomes a stern test against Portugal’s Nuno Borges on Centre Court, securing a 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 victory to advance to the third round.

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