Wayne Rooney Backs Ghana Penalty Claim After Ezri Konsa Challenge in England’s 0-0 World Cup Draw

A goalless draw between England and Ghana in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a deeply disputed refereeing decision, with former England captain Wayne Rooney among the most prominent voices calling for a penalty to have been awarded against the Three Lions.

The incident in question came late in the second half when Ghanaian substitute Prince Kwabena Adu broke clear through on goal. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa launched into a challenge inside the penalty area, leaving the ground and making contact with the Ghanaian forward rather than the ball. Match officials, however, ruled that Adu had been narrowly offside in the build-up, a decision that simultaneously nullified the penalty appeal and any prospect of a red card for Konsa.

Speaking on BBC’s coverage of the match, Rooney was unequivocal in his assessment. “I think that’s a penalty,” he said. “Konsa takes a huge risk. His feet are off the floor when he comes flying in and he gets the man, not the ball.”

The decision not to refer the challenge to VAR drew particular scrutiny from supporters. One fan, posting on X, wrote: “At no point did Ezri Konsa touch the ball on that tackle. We just can’t understand why the match referee didn’t even go check the VAR.” Another post, which circulated widely on the platform, stated simply: “Ghana was robbed!!”

The 0-0 result preserves a point for Thomas Tuchel’s England side, though the manner of their escape has raised uncomfortable questions about the team’s defensive discipline, particularly in high-stakes moments. Konsa, who started in England’s backline, will likely face scrutiny in the build-up to the team’s next fixture.

For Ghana, the result is a source of significant frustration. The Black Stars had already demonstrated defensive resilience throughout the match, and the controversy surrounding the disallowed penalty has compounded the sense of injustice felt within the Ghanaian camp and among their supporters. The draw also carries historical weight — according to reports, Ghana’s performance equalled a 24-year record set by Nigeria’s Super Eagles in matches against England.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expanded to 48 teams for the first time this edition, with Group L featuring England and Ghana among its participants. The group stage format means that every point carries significant weight as teams calculate their routes to the knockout rounds.

England will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their remaining group fixtures, while Ghana’s ability to convert from such positions will be a focal point for their coaching staff. The officiating controversy, however, is likely to remain the dominant talking point from this fixture for some time.