The official rules of UEFA explain why England may have been given a penalty against the Netherlands.

An early goal from Xavi Simons put the Three Lions behind at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Wednesday night. Jordan Pickford saved the goal.

But after nine minutes, Denzel Dumfries was called for fouling England captain Harry Kane inside the penalty area, giving Gareth Southgate’s team a huge chance to tie the game.

Different people had different thoughts on the decision to give England a penalty after the striker stepped up and scored to tie the game at 1.

The spot kick may have been given because of rules set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which UEFA follows.

The rule says, “It is done with an opponent nearby and keeps the opponent from playing the ball out of fear of getting hurt.”

“When players play in a dangerous way, they don’t touch each other.” If there is physical contact, it is considered an offence and can lead to a straight free kick or penalty kick.

For example, if there was physical contact, the judge should carefully think about the high chance that other rules violations have also been committed.

ITV’s Gary Neville said during halftime, “As a defender, I think it’s an absolute disgrace.” Neville used to play defence for Manchester United and England. What a shameful choice that was made.

“To have that given against me as a penalty at any time, but especially in such an important game… I was mad about the penalty for handball in the Denmark game; it made me angry.

Alan Shearer, a former Newcastle United and England striker, said on BBC Radio 5 Live, “There is no doubt that there is contact, but Denzel Dumfries is trying to block the ball.”

“Harry Kane’s follow through makes the link, and I didn’t think it was a mistake to hand it over.”