Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has criticised the 'irritating' behaviour of England captain Harry Kane during the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Speaking to talkSPORT, Scott said Kane's constant complaining to referee Ismael Elfath was counterproductive and could even cost him 50-50 decisions.
England's World Cup exit
England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the second half, but Argentina hit back with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure a victory that sent them to the final. The Three Lions will now face France in the third-place play-off. Referee Elfath issued four yellow cards during the match, with only one going to an England player (Elliot Anderson). Argentina's Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul were also booked.
Scott's criticism of Kane
Scott, who spent a decade officiating in the Premier League, explained why he disliked the way England players approached the referee. 'It really annoys me watching our players trying to chip away at the ref because that's not going to work,' he said. 'I've been on the receiving end of it from these people. It just annoys you [as a referee]. It doesn't get you what you want [as a player]. It doesn't achieve what you're hoping it will achieve.'
He contrasted England's approach with Argentina's, saying: 'The Argentinians seem rather more effective at it – so what can we learn from that?' Scott also emphasised the importance of analysing referees before games: 'Do we watch the ref? Do we analyse them before the game? Do we think, "Right, he's going to let this go"? We [referees] can exploit that as well, potentially, but also, be ready for that onslaught because it's coming.'
Specific complaints about Kane
Scott offered a detailed critique of Kane's on-field behaviour. 'He's [Kane] very repetitive,' Scott said. 'And it is the sarcastic leading question of "Is he going to be allowed to do that all day? Are you going to give us anything? Do you know there are two teams out here...?" And it just irritates you.'
He added: '[I used to think], "I wish you'd just go away" and then... if anything, when the 50-50 call comes in, "No, you're not getting it, because I've taken against you as a person now." It doesn't work, Harry, and I'd love to speak to him about it because he could be effective, sure, but what he's trying now doesn't work.'
Impact and reaction
Scott's comments provide a stark insight into how referees perceive player behaviour, particularly from high-profile stars like Kane. The England captain's approach, according to Scott, risks alienating officials and potentially harming his team's chances in tight matches. With England now preparing for the third-place play-off, the squad may need to reconsider their on-field conduct to avoid similar issues in future tournaments.
