A nervy moment late in England's FIFA World Cup Group L clash against Ghana in Boston has left fans and pundits debating whether a penalty should have been awarded.

Defender Ezri Konsa threw himself into a last-ditch challenge to dispossess Ghana's Prince Adu, with the incident drawing immediate scrutiny over whether contact was made inside the penalty area.

The tackle — desperate and committed in equal measure — was enough to stop Adu in his tracks, but the question of whether the referee made the right call in waving play on divided opinion among those watching.

Commentators described it as an anxious moment for England, reflecting the fine margins that can decide knockout football at a World Cup. Had the official pointed to the spot, Ghana would have had a golden opportunity to alter the course of the match.

Konsa, deployed as a key part of England's defensive structure, will likely be relieved that his intervention was deemed legal. Adu, meanwhile, was left frustrated after a moment that could have swung the game in Ghana's favour.

The incident is the latest talking point in what has been a closely watched Group L campaign, with both England and Ghana knowing the stakes as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.