There was some disagreement in the BBC studio at halftime in the World Cup clash between England and DR Congo, with  some of the English pundits dismayed that Harry Kane was not given a penalty for what seemed like a clear case of simulation during the first half.

DR Congo had a dream start to the game, taking a shock lead after just six minutes. Brian Calenga would get the goal, making the most of some questionable defending and goalkeeping to find the back of the net.

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Is a shock on the cards in Atlanta?

Brian Cipenga with a fantastic near-post finish to put DR Congo ahead after a looping cross from Chancel Mbemba

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England created a few excellent chances in the opening half, with DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing a couple of brilliant saves to keep them out.

BBC studio disagrees over England penalty claim

There was one nervy moment for the African side near the end of the first half, with England claiming a penalty after Harry Kane went down under apparent contact from Mpasi.

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However, the referee waved away his appeals. Replays would suggest that while there was some contact with the goalkeeper, Kane was already going to ground prior to that point.

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England plea for a penalty as Harry Kane is played through and goes down attempting to go around the keeper

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Alan Shearer was furious in the BBC commentary box at the time, suggesting that the penalty should have been awarded.

That sentiment was shared by Micah Richards and Joe Hart at halftime, suggesting a foul had been committed.

Richards: The goalkeeper definitely does touch him. If I was a striker, I would definitely want it. I can understand why it wasn’t overturned, but he touches him so I want that as a penalty.

Hart: As soon as I miss that ball and I feel Harry Kane’s contact, I’m getting ready [for the penalty]. I’m working out where Harry Kane’s penalty is going to be.

He will be absolutely delighted when he looks up and sees the referee not giving this, because I would expect that to be given against me.

However, that opinion was dismissed by Wayne Rooney. The former Manchester United star was the only person to suggest that Kane went down easily looking for a penalty.

I’m all for the forwards, but I just think he trips himself a little bit and jumps into the goalkeeper.

Yeah there is contact, but by tripping himself and jumping into the goalkeeper with two feet, that is the right decision…

He stumps his toe into the ground with his right foot, then he jumps into the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper has rushed out and left himself in a position where the referee can give the penalty.

I just think it looks like he has dived into him. I think it’s probably not a penalty.

Memories are short in the BBC studio, who all but completely ignored the blatant penalty that was not given to Ghana during their game against England earlier in the tournament.

Harry Kane made the most of it and it looks as though the correct decision was made.