England were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute during their World Cup 2026 Group L opener against Croatia on 17/6.

Harry Kane takes a penalty during England's 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup 2026 Group L opener at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA on 17/6/2026. Photo: Reuters

From the penalty spot, Kane slowed down during his run-up before striking the ball to the right, only for it to be saved by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. However, referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake because Livakovic had moved off his line too early, and defender Josko Gvardiol had entered the penalty area before the kick was taken.

For the retake, the England captain changed his approach, using a fast run-up and striking to the right, the opposite direction to Livakovic's dive. Kane later added one more goal with a header, contributing to England's 4-2 victory.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (right circle) moved off his line too early, and Josko Gvardiol entered the penalty area before the kick was taken, leading to England's penalty retake. Photo: Marca

On CBS, Kevin-Prince Boateng criticized Kane's penalty execution. "That should be banned by FIFA", the former Ghana midfielder said, referring to Kane's habit of significantly slowing down during his run-up. According to the former Barcelona and AC Milan player, this technique disorients goalkeepers and tends to make them move off their line prematurely.

Under current FIFA rules, a player taking a penalty must maintain continuous forward motion and not come to a complete stop immediately before striking the ball. However, slowing down during the approach is still permitted.

Meanwhile, the goalkeeper must remain on the goal line or have at least part of one foot touching or in line with the line when the kick is taken. If the goalkeeper moves off their line early and this action impacts the outcome of the play, the penalty will be retaken.

Kane scored when the penalty was retaken.

Kane himself admitted to deliberately using the stuttering run-up after carefully studying his opponent. "'When I watched the clips, I noticed he likes to rush forward early. So, I knew there was a chance he would move off his line if I prolonged my run-up'", the 32-year-old striker said. "'That's why I study opponents very carefully, and it ultimately paid off'".

Kane also praised head coach Thomas Tuchel, who created a turning point with his half-time speech. The striker, born in 1993, believes aggressive pressing is the team's greatest strength, and increased pressure without possession allowed "the Three Lions" to completely control the game after the break. England were held to a 2-2 draw by Croatia in the first half but dominated and scored two goals in the second half to secure three points.

In their next match, England will face Ghana at Gillette Stadium, Boston, at 3h on 26/4, Hanoi time.

Hong Duy (via Marca)