Credit: ITV Sport
Tue 9 September 2025 22:45, UK
Nikola Milenkovic’s foul on Harry Kane fulfilled all the criteria for a sending off against England despite his objections, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Clement Turpin was unlikely to overturn his decision on the Nottingham Forest defender after awarding a red card.
Noni Maduke scored his first England goal on Tuesday, 9 September, but not before Kane opened the scoring. Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Marcus Rashford all netted in the second half.
With a comfortable 5-0 victory for the Three Lions, Thomas Tuchel appeared far happier on the sidelines than during England’s frustrating 2-0 win over Andorra three days ago, but the game was not without its controversies.
Clement Turpin sends off Nottingham Forest star vs England
Elliot Anderson was another bright spark for Tuchel’s side, with fans seeing him as the new Paul Scholes in the centre of the park, and Rashford also impressed during a short cameo.
The Man United loanee was given the chance to score from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, but Milenkovic’s sending off 20 minutes before was a huge talking point.
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Many believed that the decision was harsh, with Kane appearing to be running away from goal, but Hackett has explained the thought process behind Turpin’s decision.
Nikola Milenkovic denies Harry Kane an obvious goalscoring opportunity
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Whilst the Serbian player expressed his disbelief that he was the recipient of a red card, the criteria for the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity were fulfilled.
Nikola Milenkovic was sent off against England. (Copyright: xPaulxBonser/SPPx)
“It was a clear foul. There were no covering defenders. The England player was in possession of the ball, heading for the goal. The direction of the player towards goal at the time of the challenge was fulfilled.
“The ball only went away from the direction of goal as a result of the foul. When coaching referees, they have to visualise the situation and determine what the outcome would have been had that offender not made the challenge.
“There is no doubt that, in possession, he [Kane] would have continued his run and had a shot at goal. The referee is correct to apply a red card.”