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Watch highlights: England lose to Hungary after debatable penalty in UEFA Nations League clash

A second-half penalty conceded by Reece James saw England kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign with defeat at the hands of Hungary on Saturday.

The Chelsea man was adjudged to have fouled Zsolt Nagy while dealing with a long ball in his own penalty area.

Dominik Szoboszlai subsequently converted his spot-kick, condemning the Three Lions to a 1-0 reverse in the opening match of Group A3.

Highlights: Hungary 1-0 England

Check out all the highlights from England's opening Nations League defeat to Hungary.

Should Hungary's penalty v England have been given?

The decisive moment of an otherwise tense, evenly matched game came after 64 minutes.

James tussled with Nagy on the left-hand side of the area and shoved the midfielder to the ground, leading to the penalty.

It was a marginal decision, but there was certainly contact on Nagy as James tried to stop him approaching the net.

Referee Artur Manuel Soares Dias was in any case convinced, despite protests from the away side.

After the game, England defender Conor Coady told Channel 4: "I think we were all a little bit shocked at first. It was one of those where no one appealed for a penalty."

England manager Gareth Southgate told Channel 4: "We have to accept that we did not do enough to win the game, a draw would have been the fair outcome. We did not create too many clear cut chances and the actual result hinged on a decision which is harsh but probably won't be overturned.

"Once it has been given as a penalty, he probably will not overturn it. You see challenges like that in the box, James puts his body between the ball and the forward makes a meal of it. Away from home sometimes you will get those calls."

What's next for England?

Germany and Italy complete Group A3 in this year's Nations League, with the two heavyweights also facing off on Saturday.

England will hope to bounce back on Tuesday with another away fixture against Germany, while Italy visit in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final next Saturday.

Further reading

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