World Cup 2026: Penalties? Red card? Why was given against England?

England were reduced to 10 men in their crucial World Cup last-16 clash with Mexico and were awarded a controversial penalty in a lively encounter at the Azteca Stadium.

The Three Lions were 2-0 up in the first half thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham, but Julian Quinones pulled one back just before the break.

However, the game burst into life with two big moments in the second half.

First Jarrell Kwansah was sent off in the 54th minute after the video assistant referee’s review showed he had clearly entered Jesus Gallardo with his studs up.

The moment briefly sent Mexico fans into a frenzy but England soon went 3-1 up when Harry Kane converted the penalty.

“It’s a clear red card,” Darren Cann, assistant referee at the 2010 World Cup final, told BBC One.

“Kwansah plays the ball first but it doesn’t matter according to the rules of the game.

“He goes through and you can clearly see the studs on the shin. The referee has no choice but to show the red card.

“100% a red card.”

England restored their two-goal advantage when Harry Kane converted a penalty, but Mexico fought back when they were awarded a spot-kick.

Kane appeared to clip Brian Gutierrez and after referee Alireza Faghni went to the monitor to review the incident, he awarded a penalty, which was converted by Raul Jimenez.

“It’s a penalty,” Can added.

“Kane unfortunately kicked the leg of the Mexico player. It’s a bit similar to (Luka) Modric’s kick that England got a penalty for in the first group game. Kane didn’t know the player was coming back.”

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart feels that all the important decisions have been made.

“I think the referee made the right decision on all three (both penalties and red cards),” he told BBC One.

“I felt everyone… my heart was in my mouth as I watched the replay. Kwansah deserved to go, Ken didn’t get the ball and Gordon (for the England penalty) got the ball first.”