Gareth Southgate fumes as England denied ‘stonewall’ penalty for foul on Maguire just minutes into Iran match

GARETH SOUTHGATE fumed as England were denied an early penalty against Iran.

England won their first corner just three minutes into the contest with Kieran Trippier swinging it in.

ENGLAND VS IRAN: FOLLOW THE LATEST NEWS

As the ball came in, Harry Maguire appeared to be bear-hugged in the box, although no spot kick was given - and VAR opted not to intervene.

The incident prompted a protest from Southgate, with the England manager waving his arms in frustration.

Fans also fumed online, with one writing: "Stone wall penalty."

A second tweeted: "A clear pen all day long."

Another added: "Maguire is literally being rugby tackled."

While a fourth fumed: "England already robbed of a penalty 3 minutes in."

Frustration only grew when late in the game Iran were awarded a penalty for a slight shirt pull in the box.

Iran went on to score the spot-kick.

But it was too little too late from Iran with England winning the clash 6-2.

A double from Bukayo Saka and more from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford saw England win 6-2.