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Wayne Rooney fumes at 'pathetic' Argentina star as BBC air Harry Kane footage

BBC One showed some previously unseen footage featuring Harry Kane at half-time of England vs Argentina that led to Wayne Rooney fuming about one Argentina player

Wayne Rooney called Argentina player Leandro Paredes "ridiculous" for trying to get England captain Harry Kane sent off during their World Cup semi-final. The BBC aired footage at half-time of Kane covering his mouth while talking to referee Ismail Elfath, which led Paredes to try to get him sent off for doing so.

Two players have already been sent off for covering their mouths during this summer's tournament. However, in both instances, it was done while confronting an opposing player.

Miguel Almiron was the first for Paraguay against Turkey. Piero Hincapie of Ecuador then did so when they played Mexico.

Explaining the difference, BBC presenter Mark Chapman said: "The rules are that if you put your hand over your mouth and say something to another player. It looked like he was saying it to the referee."

Joe Hart called what Paredes did "pathetic". He said that Kane "was talking to the referee and trying to be clear with him. It's so difficult to communicate out there.

"Harry Kane is just trying to have a personal conversation with the referee. I get it, of course, they're going to do anything they can to try and win this game. But come on, just win the game by scoring more goals."

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Rooney then remarked: "I think it's ridiculous." However, he was happier with how England defended during the first half, acknowledging: "Lionel Messi is going to have moments in this game.

"We have defended really well. We have been resilient, we have got bodies behind the ball. I think the next step is - can we take the ball off Argentina and dominate the ball a bit more?"

Hart singled out Elliot Anderson for praise. He said: "I've loved how the England players have reacted and stood up to the battle. Anderson has chased the great man Messi around the field and not given him an inch.

"He has moments, of course he had, but that set the tone. That is exactly what you need in a game like this. You have got to stand up for yourself."

On the game as a whole, he added: "Argentina are keen on rhythm not being a thing, they were very aggressive and on the front foot from the first few minutes. England have had their moments, they have looked threatening, but it is such a tight game."

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