Harry Kane puts England ahead from the penalty spot in World Cup opener after seeing initial spot kick saved – before he was reprieved by VAR

Harry Kane was given a reprieve by VAR before he put England ahead from the penalty spot against Croatia in their opening game of the World Cup.

The Three Lions were awarded an early penalty when Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric inside the box as he attempted to clear the ball but rather clattered into the Arsenal winger. 

However, as Kane stepped up, he stuttered and Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic dived the right way and saved his effort, much to the disbelief of England fans.

Referee Clement Turpin paused the restart due to a VAR check though, and it was adjudged that Livakovic had encroached off his line, meaning Kane would be given another opportunity from 12 yards.

Kane made no mistake the second time around as he went the same way and buried his effort in the bottom right corner.

From the first spot kick, Kane stuttered in his run-up and Livakovic, one of the heroes of Croatia’s run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup, pulled off a brilliant save low to his left.

Kane appeared to spot the Croatian keeper’s movements immediately and pleaded with the referee.

On his second attempt, Kane didn’t bother with the stutter and instead thumped his effort straight into the corner to score his 80th goal for England. 

Speaking on BBC’s coverage of the game, Three Lions legend Wayne Rooney said: ‘Harry Kane’s first penalty wasn’t the best but at first glance I thought the keeper was off his line. It didn’t show a replay which confirmed it.

‘But Kane’s second penalty was much better and it’s great for England to be 1-0 up after 12 minutes.’

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