Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterOpinions were divided as to whether or not Mexico should have had the chance to peg England back to 3-2 in their World Cup round of 16 clash.In perhaps the game of the tournament so far, Raul Jimenez was took the chance to score from the spot and trim back ten-man England's lead.But the BBC punditry team were divided on whether or not the referee got the decision right after reviewing footage on the pitchside VAR screen.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kMixed views on Mexico penalty after Harry Kane foulWith Engalnd 2-1 up, Jarrel Quanash was sent off for England after a VAR review correctly determined that his high sliding challenge on Jesus Gallardo amounted to serious foul play.But England extended their lead shortly afterwards in an absolutely breathless game, with Kane converting from the penalty spot after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel brought down Anthony Gordon inside the box. You may like England avoided a nailed-on penalty with calamitous Ezri Konsa challenge, says esteemed referee 'This is an absolute belter of a game, I wish I was in that stadium' Joe Hart laments BBC's Salford studio after pulsating first half of Mexico vs England Who is Alireza Faghani? The referee for England vs Mexico Alan Shearer did not feel a spot kick should be given, saying after first seeing the replay: "Is that a clear and obvious error made by the referee? He had him in one of the first games, didn't he (France vs Senegal), when he didn't give [Kylian Mbappe] that penalty."The Australian official did give the spot kick, though, leaving Shearer to continue to insist he thought the decision was harsh.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.BBC referee analyst Darren Cann agreed, saying: "Yes, it is a penalty."Harry Kane, unfortunately, does kick the Mexican's foot. It's a little bit similar to the Modric kick that England won a penalty for in the first group game, where Harry Kane is unaware of the player coming in. Unfortunately, he does make contact. It is a foul. It's in the penalty box, it's a penalty."This is the only referee who has been sent to the monitor this World Cup and actually stuck with a decision that was the France-Senegal game with the Mbappe penalty [shout], but on this on this occasion it's the correct decision. Penalty kick." What to read next How to watch Mexico vs England for FREE Why was Harry Kane's penalty taken again? Why Scotland should have had a penalty against Morocco Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart agreed with Cann, saying: "On all three decisions, I think the referee's come to the right decision."I know Alan is very keen to say that wasn't a penalty, and obviously everyone's got their opinions, but I felt every single one that I saw they got right, including the penalty that they got."As soon as I saw the replay, my heart was in my mouth."I thought Quansah deserved to go, I thought Kane didn't get anything on the ball, and I thought Gordon got there first."TOPICSHarry KaneAlan ShearerJoe HartWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
