England have been dealt a stark warning by Fifa’s refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina before the World Cup: the goal that beat Uruguay in a friendly last year would not stand at the tournament. The incident, which saw Ben White prod home after Adam Wharton ran into Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez before Cole Palmer’s free kick, was described by Collina as “very serious”. Speaking before the Three Lions flew to the United States for the tournament, Collina said: “The ball was not in play and there was a clear foul committed by an illegal block against the defender. That block was the only projected threat preventing the defender from being able to defend on his opponent. This happens a lot when defenders mark man to man and attackers try to create space but we are convinced that this goal cannot stand. It is completely unfair.”
The warning forms part of nine major rule changes Fifa has confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 17 with England facing Croatia in their opener. The clampdown on grappling at set-pieces is a particular headache for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who have been singled out as a potential culprit. Beyond the set-piece crackdown, the tournament will see a revamp of VAR, with officials able to intervene on corners, bookings and second yellows. Referees will also be far stricter on players covering their mouths during confrontations and walking off the pitch in protest at a decision – both now punishable by a straight red card. Time-wasting is also in the crosshairs, with tactical pauses – such as a player entering the technical area for instructions while a goalkeeper receives treatment – to be clamped down on. The issue came up when Daniel Farke accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of “bending the rules” after the goalkeeper went down in Manchester City’s clash with Leeds.
“Fifa chief Pierluigi Collina warns England's goal against Uruguay would be disallowed under new World Cup rules.”
Tuchel, aiming to end England’s 60 years of hurt at the first attempt, now faces a tricky group stage and a rule book that has been rewritten in ways that could undermine England’s set-piece strengths. With the opener against Croatia looming, the Three Lions must adapt quickly or risk having crucial goals chalked off.