Harry Kane England MaltaGetty

WATCH: England captain Harry Kane denied strong penalty claim against Malta and is inexplicably booked for diving - with VAR choosing NOT to intervene

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  • Kane brought down in the box
  • Appealed immediately for a penalty
  • Booked by official, with VAR not intervening
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Kane interecepted a pass from goalkeeper Bonello in the Malta penalty area and appeared to be nicked on his ankle by the shot stopper's trailing arm as he dived for the ball. The referee, though, saw it differently and booked Kane for diving, much to the bemusement of the Bayern forward. VAR opted against intervening.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Replays showed that Bonello made contact with Kane's ankle, so there should have been a VAR review at the very least, although the decision was not deemed to be a clear and obvious error. Kane and his team-mates were particularly aghast, and manager Gareth Southgate was also seen questioning the decision with the fourth official.

  • Marcus Rashford England 2023Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT?

    England took a 1-0 lead through an own goal from Enrico Pepe and will hope to see the victory out. Given Malta's standing in the international game, one has to think that Kane will be out to boost his own goal tally.