England 'Got Lucky' with Disallowed Goal

BBC Sport World Cup pundits Wayne Rooney and Ellen White believe England 'got lucky' after Torbjorn Heggem's second-half goal was ruled out for a foul on Elliott Anderson by Erling Haaland.

In a dramatic World Cup clash, England emerged victorious thanks to a controversial decision that disallowed a Norwegian goal. Midway through the second half, Norway's Torbjorn Heggem slotted home what seemed to be an equalizer, but the referee, after consulting VAR, ruled it out due to a foul by Erling Haaland on England's Elliott Anderson in the buildup. The decision sparked immediate debate. BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney and Ellen White were unequivocal in their assessment: England 'got lucky.' Rooney noted, 'From the replay, Haaland does have a slight arm push, but Anderson goes down easily. In the Premier League, that might not be given, but in a World Cup, referees tend to protect attacking players.' White added, 'England didn't play well overall, and that call changed the game.' The match itself was tense and competitive. England took an early lead through Harry Kane's clinical finish on a counterattack. Norway responded with sustained pressure, with Haaland causing constant problems for the English defense. In the 67th minute, Norway won a corner, and Heggem scored from a scramble, only for the referee to disallow it, pointing to a foul. VAR replays showed Haaland and Anderson grappling in the box before the corner was taken. Haaland's arm made contact with Anderson's neck, and though the contact was not forceful, the officiating team deemed it sufficient for a foul. Norway's players and coach were furious. Coach Solbakken said after the match, 'This is not football; it's killing the attack.' England manager Gareth Southgate responded cautiously: 'We respect the decision, but yes, we were a bit lucky.' Tactically, England did not look like champions. Their midfield lacked control, and the defense was repeatedly exposed by Haaland. Without the controversial call, the result could have been different. Rooney analyzed, 'England need to solve their midfield issues, or they'll be in trouble against stronger teams.' White agreed: 'Luck won't last forever. England must improve.' With this win, England top their group with two victories, but the quality of the performance is questioned. Norway now face an uphill battle to qualify. FIFA's refereeing committee has not commented officially, but such controversies are part of World Cup history. Regardless, England indeed 'got lucky' to secure three points, and the debate over VAR's use will continue.

England 'Got Lucky' with Disallowed Goal

Related Matches