Harry Kane. Sipa USA

Watch: England's penalty kick vs. Netherlands draws controversy

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Jul 10, 2024 4:09 PM ET

Harry Kane struck an 18th-minute spot kick past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to draw England level at 1-1 in Wednesday's Euro Tournament semifinal match. But the foul given by the video assistant referee (VAR) to award the penalty kick to England appeared questionable.

HARRY KANE MAKES THE PENALTY

England levels the score pic.twitter.com/OnTSUA9YtG
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2024

England's redemptive opportunity came after Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries appeared to put his boot spikes through Kane's foot as the English striker attempted a shot.

Fox Sports rules analyst Mark Clattenburg explained the reasoning behind the VAR decision on the broadcast.

PENALTY FOR ENGLAND

After review a penalty is awarded to England ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xkmkgCq9fz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2024

Ironically, on-field referee Felix Zwayer initially did not give the penalty. England striker Jude Bellingham was previously fined for criticizing Zwayer for still being a UEFA referee, due to his past suspension for match-fixing.

Former England player Jamie Carragher disagreed with Zwayer's decision, voicing his displeasure on X.

Never a penalty
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 10, 2024

England had fallen behind early due to Dutch forward Xavi Simons' stunning seventh-minute strike from just outside the box, past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which put the Netherlands up 1-0.