England skipper Harry Kane was furious at referee Danny Makkelie for disallowing Danny Welbeck’s stoppage-time goal at Wembley last night. When England were trailing 2-1, Danny Welbeck looked to have equalised in stoppage-time. However, after Makkelie discussed with his assistant behind the goal, he disallowed the goal, implying that Welbeck fouled David de Gea. Subsequently, the referee awarded a free-kick to Spain.
This decision angered Harry Kane. When asked if the goal should have stood, Kane replied, “Yeah 100 per cent. They are big moments and you need the ref to stay strong but unfortunately he’s bottled it. Danny Welbeck’s just stood there, the ‘keeper’s gone to catch it and fell on top of him and Danny’s put it away and somehow the ref’s given it as a foul.
In the big moments sometimes you need a firm ref to stay calm under pressure so it’s disappointing to finish that way. Danny just stood there, De Gea’s gone up to catch the ball and as he’s come down he’s fallen on Danny, he’s not fouled him or anything the ball’s just dropped. Keepers sometimes get better treatment than the rest of us and that’s unfortunate.”
The defeat was heartbreaking for England as they scored first. Luke Shaw’s pass found Marcus Rashford who shot it past David de Gea. However, just two minutes later, Saul Niguez got the equaliser for Spain. Then in the 32nd minute, Rodrigo gave Spain the lead and his goal sealed the fate of the match.
For Spain manager Luis Enrique, it was a winning start to his stint as the manager of the national team. England’s next match in the international break is against Switzerland on Tuesday. Their next Nations League encounter is against Croatia at Rijeka next month. Spain take on the World Cup runners up on Tuesday at Elche.
