After conceding a penalty, Michael Owen gives his verdict on Reece James
England were unfortunate to concede a penalty in their 1-0 loss against Hungary on Saturday, according to Michael Owen.
Reece James came on for Trent Alexander-Arnold shortly after the hour mark as a second-half substitute.
After under-hitting his back-pass to Jordan Pickford, James was deemed to have fouled Zsolt Nagy inside the penalty area four minutes after coming on.
Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai scored from the penalty spot, and the Hungarians kept the lead until the finish of the game.
Michael Owen blamed Reece James for the incident, but acknowledging that the penalty was a mild one.
“I think it was harsh,” Owen told Channel 4 as he reflected on the decision that led to England suffering a shocking defeat to Hungary.
“I still think he’s (James) a little bit at fault, I don’t think he needs to put his arm across his man. The long diagonal was a thorn in our side throughout the game.
“I know what he’s trying to do, he’s just trying to block his man so Jordan Pickford can come and clear.
“I’m not sure he needs to do it. But I think it’s a very harsh penalty. I don’t think there’s enough there. I think he’s made the most of it.”