England disallowed penalty against France despite lengthy VAR review as Dayot Upamecano knocks off Harry Kane in World Cup quarter-final, leaving Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce puzzled

England were denied a penalty in the World Cup quarter-final with France.

The Three Lions were looking for a comeback after Aurelien Tchouameni put the Blues in front with a long-range goal.

Moments later, England captain Harry Kane was certain he deserved a penalty when France defender Dayot Upamecano tackled him from behind and failed to win the ball back.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio waved to play but VAR quickly stopped the game to review the situation.

Replays showed clear contact from Upamecano on Kane and many expected a penalty to be awarded in the middle of a long stoppage.

However, Sampaio was not asked to see the monitor again and England were denied the chance to equalize on the spot.

It’s possible the incident was ruled to have taken place outside the penalty area, with VAR unable to award free-kicks retrospectively.

Contact was made near the line but England legend Stuart Pearce was convinced it was a penalty.

He told talkSPORT: “It’s a penalty.

“He’s hanging his leg through Kane’s and there’s enough contact there.”

Speaking at half-time, Pearce added: “At the moment the referee is being cajoled a bit.

“There were a few decisions…Kane’s was a foul, inside or outside the box. But the referee is not our biggest problem.