Harry Kane insisted the referee “bottled it” by ruling out a late goal by Danny Welbeck during England’s 2-1 defeat against Spain.
England were denied an injury-time equaliser when Arsenal forward Welbeck, on as a substitute, was adjudged by match official Danny Makkelie to have fouled Spain’s Manchester United keeper David De Gea.
England captain Kane insisted the goal should have stood.
“One hundred per cent. In those big environments you need the ref to stay strong and unfortunately he’s bottled it,” the Tottenham striker told Sky Sports.
“Danny Welbeck just stood there, the keeper went to catch it, he’s put it away – I don’t know how it’s a foul.
“You need a firm ref who under the pressure doesn’t give wrong decisions.
“Disappointing to finish that way, I thought we played well – especially second half – and deserved a draw at least.
“It was a good game, it was a real test against a team that keep the ball really well. We probably created the better chances throughout the game.”
Kane also sent his best wishes to United’s Luke Shaw, who was carried off on a stretcher after suffering a head injury.
“It is never nice to see one of your team-mates injured like that,” Kane said.
“It was horrible and hopefully he will be okay.”