Former players, pundits react to Harry Kane’s penalty no-call against DR Congo

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 1: Harry Kane of England is brought down by Lionel Mpasi, goalkeeper of Congo DR but a penalty was not awarded during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images

In the final minutes of the first half in the World Cup Round of 32 match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo, England striker Harry Kane was involved in a play which could have potentially been awarded a penalty.

However, after VAR involvement, the referee decided against a penalty, which sent viewers, pundits, former players, and the soccer world in general into a heated debate.

First, let’s start with the play:

Another look at England's play in the box with Harry Kane where no penalty was called pic.twitter.com/FrXIBdg9tz

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026

The reactions to the call did not take long.

Former England striker Alan Shearer (as captured by London Now) said a penalty should have been awarded and that, “DR Congo got away with one.”

The Daily Star also captured some of Shearer’s comments on the topic.”There is contact, there is no doubt. For me that is a penalty. Kane may have made the most of it but the keeper has come out and his hands are there.” In the half-time discussion, former player Micah Richards expressed his belief that it was a penalty, something that former England national team goalkeeper seconded. Former striker Wayne Rooney, on the other hand, disagreed with that assessment, calling the referee’s decision, “the right one.”

Football Insider published former FIFA referee Keith Hackett condemning the decision, and expressing understanding in the fans’ disappointment.

"Clear and obvious " – Ex-FIFA ref @HACKETTREF in disbelief at Harry Kane penalty shocker in England vs DR Congo clash. pic.twitter.com/hvBTtOVHGm

— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) July 1, 2026

Finally, The Sun showed us some English fans reactions, showing them extremely angry at the decision.

England fans fume at Harry Kane being denied obvious penalty vs DR Congo pic.twitter.com/g0pHU6leSa

— The Sun Football (@TheSunFootball) July 1, 2026

This decision will most assuredly be one of the most talked about topics of today’s World Cup matchday and will continue to generate discussion during the upcoming days.

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