England midfielder Declan Rice 4 Portrait during the England v DR Congo FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 Round of 32 match at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, United States on 1 July 2026 / Declan Rice's high challenge on Gilberto Mora in the opening minute against Mexico
England midfielder Declan Rice 4 Portrait during the England v DR Congo FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 Round of 32 match at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, United States on 1 July 2026 / Declan Rice's high challenge on Gilberto Mora in the opening minute against Mexico
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Declan Rice correctly avoided a very early sending-off during England's win over Mexico, but it could have been much worse.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that referee Alireza Faghani and VAR dealt with the situation very well.
After just a minute into the game on Monday, 6 July, Arsenal's midfield maestro had his name taken, catching Gilberto Mora with a dangerously high boot.
Understandably, Mexico supporters were furious with the decision, with their young star left with a scar on his face, wanting Rice sent off instead.
Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly joined him in the referee's notebook, but not before Jarell Quansah was shown his marching orders in the 54th minute.
The Three Lions managed to overcome these hurdles, eventually securing a dramatic 3-2 win, thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace and Harry Kane penalty, but it could have all changed in a heartbeat.
Declan Rice catches Gilberto Mora very high
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett praised the decision not to send off one of Thomas Tuchel's most important players, taking into the context of the incident.
"In the context of the game, and in context of the tournament and laws of the game, I think the yellow card was the correct outcome," he said.
"I don't think it was worthy of a red card. I don't think there was malice in that challenge. It was a timing issue.
"And this is why I've mentioned in the past that when you're operating at altitude, the ball travels more easily through the air and kicks go longer.
"For me, the referee was right to caution. You don't want to do that, you know, because you set the threshold, but it was a cautional offence."
Jude Bellingham's unseen lovely touch with Mexico gem
It was a tough game for Mexico's No.19 right from kick-off, with the boot to the side of his face just the start of a 90-minute battle with the Three Lions.
The 17-year-old was at fault for England's second goal, being robbed of possession in a dangerous area, before his team were eventually knocked out of the tournament.
Understandably, Mora was in pieces at the full-time whistle, with Bellingham consoling him in the tunnel after the game, as well as swapping shirts with the youngster.
A lot was made about the Real Madrid star's maturity before the tournament, but since day one, he has been an exemplary figure in Thomas Tuchel's squad.