'VAR should not have intervened' in controversial moment in England win vs Mexico - ex-refs chief

Harry Kane should not have been penalised for his challenge on Brian Gutierrez that resulted in a penalty for Mexico in their 3-2 defeat to 10-man England on Monday.

That is the opinion of former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Mexico were awarded a penalty for the challenge, with Raul Jimenez converting from the spot after Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane had scored to put England 3-1 up.

Julian Quinones had also scored for the hosts, who ultimately came up short against a side reduced to 10 when Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high tackle.

England are set to face off against Norway in the quarter-finals, after they shocked Brazil 2-1 on Sunday.

That match will go ahead on Saturday, and will be played at Miami Stadium in Florida.

Keith Hackett says Harry Kane unlucky to concede penalty

It was an incredibly busy game for Alireza Faghani, who seemed to be the subject of huge protest almost constantly.

After a first half in which he had only been required to book Declan Rice, the second half exploded into controversy when Quansah caught Jesus Gallardo high on the shin.

The referee initially ignored the challenge, but issued a red card upon visiting the monitor for a second look.

He did not need VAR to point to the spot just minutes later, however, when goalkeeper Raul Rangel careered out of his goal and took out Anthony Gordon inside the box.

Mexico wanted a penalty of their own just nine minutes later, after Kane had made contact with Gutierrez as he went to clear the ball.

The striker looked to have got some of both the man and the ball, but the VAR decided that it was man first, and Faghani pointed to the spot following a review.

"This is not a foul for me and VAR should not have intervened," Hackett told Football Insider. "Wrong decision."

England must show discipline

The final 30 minutes, which saw 10-man England defy attack after attack at the Azteca, was all about discipline.

Tuchel's team fought for every ball and constantly put their bodies on the line to protect their lead.

But it was a lack of discipline which got them there in the first place. Quansah's unnecessary tackle and Kane's mistake left them with an uphill battle.

This time, they won that battle. To win the war, the World Cup, they must not get in that position again.