Harry Kane: England captain lashes out at "bottler" referee after late goal disallowed

ByAlex Chick

Updated 08/09/2018 at 21:21 GMT

Harry Kane has accused referee Danny Makkelie of "bottling it" by disallowing England's late equaliser against Spain.

The England captain was livid after Danny Welbeck saw his 97th-minute strike chalked off for a foul. The home side lost 2-1 at Wembley in their opening UEFA Nations League match.

Welbeck tucked the ball away from close range after David De Gea, who had risen to catch the ball, fell on Welbeck and dropped it.

The foul appeared to be given for an infringement on De Gea, though Welbeck gave Sergio Busquets a slight shove before challenging the goalkeeper.

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Kane was in no doubt the goal should have stood, saying Makkelie lacked the strength to allow the goal.

England see a late equaliser disallowed against Spain

Image credit: Reuters

He said: "In those big moments you need the ref to stay strong, and unfortunately he's bottled it.

"Danny Welbeck's just stood there, the keeper went to catch it and fell on top of him - he's put it away and somehow the ref's given a foul."

Kane said he was happy with England's performance, despite a third consecutive defeat dating back to the World Cup semi-finals.

"I thought we played well, especially in the second half, and we deserved a draw, at least," said Kane.

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