'Breaks football' - Ex-Everton boss rages at VAR after England's Euro 2024 victory over Netherlands

Former Everton manager Ronald Koeman lamented the VAR decision to award England a penalty in their Euro 2024 semi-final last night.

England fell behind to a wonder goal from Paris Saint-Germain’s Xavi Simons before they hit back with a Harry Kane penalty 11 minutes later - after intervention by VAR - a decision heavily criticised from Koeman, players and even ex-players in the aftermath of the victory.

Denzel Dumfries caught Kane after he fired a shot over - a decision that wasn’t given at the time but was overturned after referee Felix Zwayer was instructed to look at the incident at the pitch-side monitor. A late goal from Ollie Watkins gave England the win and added further insult to injury for Koeman who, after the game, labelled VAR as ‘breaking football’.

"In my opinion it should not have been a penalty," said Koeman. "He kicked the ball and the boots touched. I think that we cannot play properly and this is due to VAR. It really breaks football."

A highly debatable moment, even ex-England right-back Gary Neville sided with the Dutchman. "As a defender, I think it's an absolutely disgraceful decision," he said. "There's no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It's not a penalty for me."

Everton’s Jordan Pickford continued his incredible run as England’s number one goalkeeper by further extending his record of being the keeper who has played the most appearances in major competitions. He passed Peter Shilton’s record in the win over Switzerland and was on hand to make a smart reaction save from Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk late in the game.

He was faultless for the opener as Simons - the highly-rated attacker - fired in a shot which registered a speed of 116 km/h (72mph) which flew past the Everton shot-stopper. England face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 14 as they look to win their first major tournament since 1966.