England captain Harry Kane is facing severe backlash from supporters, with the “choker” label dominating social media after his crucial penalty miss triggered a 3-2 UEFA Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26.

England trailed in the second minute following an opening goal by Lamine Yamal, before mounting a rapid response.

Anthony Gordon equalised in the 36th minute, and Kane himself found the net in the 40th minute to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage heading into the interval.

The defining moment arrived in the second half when England were awarded a penalty. Converting the spot-kick would have handed the Three Lions a commanding 3-1 lead, effectively killing the game against the reigning World Cup champions. Instead, Kane failed to convert.

Spain ruthlessly punished the squandered opportunity. Álex Baena equalised in the 60th minute before Mikel Oyarzabal secured the 3-2 victory in the 74th minute, entirely reversing the match’s momentum.

Despite scoring in the first half, fans directed their frustration at the Bayern Munich striker, accusing him of single-handedly causing the defeat by failing to execute when the margins were tightest.

A recurring theme across digital platforms was the resurrection of the “choker” label. Supporters pointed to a career-long pattern of failing to deliver in definitive, high-pressure moments for the national team, arguing that his elite goalscoring records often mask a lack of clutch composure.

The outrage quickly intersected with the ongoing 2026 Ballon d’Or debate. Kane is considered a frontrunner for the October award after securing the 2025/26 European Golden Shoe, but fans argued that his Wembley miss invalidates his candidacy.

Opponents of his campaign argued that while rivals like Yamal and Kylian Mbappé dictate the outcome of high-stakes fixtures, Kane actively shrinks when the pressure peaks.

Kane’s failure against Spain mirrored his infamous penalty miss during the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against France in Al Khor.

During that December 10, 2022, clash, Kane successfully converted a 54th-minute penalty but blazed a crucial 84th-minute spot-kick over the crossbar, sealing a 2-1 exit for England.

While Kane remains the most prolific penalty taker in England’s history, having scored 25 international spot kicks, these glaring high-profile misses have raised questions over his nerve in important moments.

Real Madrid have been handed a major injury concern after Kylian Mbappe was forced off during France’s clash with Türkiye with an apparent knee problem.

The France captain scored the only goal of the game with a brilliant low-driven finish but was unable to continue after appearing to hurt his knee, with Zinedine Zidane confirming that the forward will return to Madrid for further assessment.

France struggled to break down a determined Türkiye side before Mbappe provided the decisive moment midway through the first half.

The Real Madrid star was set up by Michael Olise after France won possession high up the pitch, with Mbappe producing a powerful low finish from a tight angle to put his side ahead.

However, the goal quickly became secondary when the 27-year-old appeared to injure his knee during the action. Mbappe initially attempted to continue despite the problem, but he was eventually forced off minutes later as concern grew over the severity of the injury.

Debutant France coach Zinedine Zidane subsequently provided an update on the France captain during an interview admitting that the early signs were worrying.

“Unfortunately, it’s not looking good. I think he will have to return to Madrid. We are not going to take any risks. He has a knee hyperextension from the impact. This is not encouraging. We are not going to take any risks.”

The decision to withdraw Mbappe means France will now wait for further medical examinations to determine the extent of the damage.

Real Madrid sweating over Mbappe

The injury will also be a major concern for Real Madrid, who have come to rely heavily on Mbappe since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. The France captain has scored 94 goals in 111 appearances for the Spanish giants, including eight goals in eight games this season.

His current form has also placed him among the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, alongside Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

For Real Madrid, however, individual accolades will be secondary while they wait to discover whether Mbappe has suffered a serious setback.

Zidane’s decision not to risk the forward further suggests France are taking the injury seriously, with Mbappe now expected to return to Madrid.

The extent of the knee problem remains unclear, but Real Madrid will be hoping the hyperextension does not result in a lengthy spell on the sidelines for their most important attacking player.

Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association over alleged discriminatory behaviour by fans during their win at Fulham at the start of the Premier League season.

Chelsea wrote to supporters following the 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage on 24 August, acknowledging receiving “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion” of fans.

The Blues said they do not condone any discriminatory chants, and that fans found guilty would face “the strongest possible action”.

A statement from an FA spokesperson read: “Chelsea FC has been charged with breaching FA Rule E21 during the ninth minute of its Premier League fixture against Fulham FC on 24 August.

“It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or insulting way.

“It’s further alleged that this behaviour was discriminatory in that it included a reference, whether express or implied, to religion or belief.”

In 2021 Chelsea condemned the actions of a fan who was seen on social media aiming sectarian abuse at Aston Villa‘s Scottish international John McGinn.

The Blues are 10th in the Premier League on seven points after the opening five games.