England found themselves trailing 1-0 to reigning world champions France at half-time in their World Cup quarter-final clash. Aurelien Tchouameni opened the scoring for Les Bleus with a fierce strike in the 17th minute.
Bukayo Saka and his Three Lions teammates argued with the referee after the Arsenal star felt he was fouled in the build-up to the goal. England would need a big second half performance to overcome the goal deficit if they are to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Argentina are set to face Croatia in one semi-final tie with Gareth Southgate's side hoping to beat France and meet Morocco in the final four. Harry Kane was seemingly fouled inside the penalty area moments after England conceded, but VAR did not award the Three Lions a penalty kick.
READ MORE: England vs France LIVE: Latest score amid Tchouameni controversial goal, Kane VAR penalty denied
At half-time, Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright all weighed in on VAR's decision not to award Kane a penalty in the first half. Speaking on ITV's coverage of the match, Keane said: "It’s a penalty isn’t it? You have to say that."
Wright added: "Harry’s on the wrong side, I can’t see, it’s outside. For me, I’m very surprised, he’s a referee that’s got a reputation.
"They might’ve thought it was outside the box with the foul they’ve not given it because they can’t go back on it."
Neville continued by claiming Saka was fouled before Tchouameni's goal and that Kane should have been awarded a penalty. The former Manchester United defender said: "First with Saka then with Kane, I think it is a simple decision.
"It’s not the first one, it’s that one there he kicks it away. I’m not quite sure why that’s not a foul, they’ve been giving free-kicks for that - he’s nibbling, nibbling, nibbling and he’s kicked him. It should be a free-kick."
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