Former players Gary Neville and Ian Wright argued over a penalty decision in England’s 2-1 semi-final win against the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Wednesday’s (July 10) match saw the Dutch sneak ahead through Xavi Simons (7′) before the incident took place.
With The Three Lions searching for an equalizer, Harry Kane’s attempted volley saw him collide with Denzel Dumfries within the penalty area. The Dutch defender was attempting to block the shot but made contact with the Bayern Munich man, who went to the ground.
Although the on-field call was not to award a penalty, the decision was overturned following a VAR review. Kane converted the spot kick in the 18th minute to level proceedings.
Disgusted by the decision, Neville told ITV (via Manchester Evening News):
“As a defender, I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful decision. There’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me. You have to take your luck though.”
Wright, who disagreed with his co-pundit, added:
“When you look at the way penalties are given now and the way the is when we go to VAR, that was reckless.”
Neville hit back and said:
“Reckless, that is not reckless. Oh my god.”
Wright responded:
“But Gary, he’s given it. That’s why we’ve got VAR. If that was anywhere else on the pitch, you’d get a foul for it.”
This decision proved to be vital in the end as Ollie Watkins handed England a 90th-minute winner to book their place in the final.
Lee Dixon offers his opinion on controversial penalty call in England v Netherlands Euro 2024 semi-final
TV commentator Lee Dixon has sided with the many who believe that a penalty must not have been awarded to Harry Kane in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final match.
However, at the time, it was the Three Lions who were dominating proceedings and looked the more likely side to find the back of the net.
Speaking about the penalty incident, Dixon said (via Football London):
“I’m pleased, don’t get me wrong but you have to challenge for the ball. I don’t think it’s a penalty but I don’t care.”
England will now face a high-flying Spain team in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday (July 14). With no third-place match in the continental competition, the Netherlands will head home from Germany.
Edited by Samya Majumdar
