England overcomes early deficit to advance
England secured their place in the World Cup round of 16 after a challenging 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday night. The match saw England come from behind, surviving what some described as one of the biggest scares of their campaign. Despite the loss, DR Congo’s performance in Atlanta earned them recognition, as they pushed one of the tournament favorites.
Against many pre-match expectations, DR Congo took the lead early in the game. A deep cross from the right found Brian Cipenga unmarked at the far post. Cipenga took a touch before firing a low shot into the bottom-left corner, beating Jordan Pickford at his near post and igniting celebrations among Congolese supporters. His somersault celebration mirrored the quality of the finish.
England’s initial attempts to equalize were thwarted. Around the half-hour mark, Declan Rice delivered a cross that Jude Bellingham headed towards the top-right corner, but Lionel Mpasi produced a one-handed save to deny him. Five minutes later, Noni Madueke set up Marcus Rashford, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Tuchel’s adjustments and Kane’s decisive goals
Thomas Tuchel’s words during a hydration break appeared to calm England’s nerves, though Mpasi continued to be a formidable presence in goal, making several saves to maintain DR Congo’s slender lead. DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before half-time when Wan-Bissaka’s cross found Yoane Wissa, whose first-time shot hit the base of the post.
Moments later, Harry Kane went down in the Congolese box under contact from Mpasi, appealing for a penalty, but the referee and VAR dismissed the claim, judging that Kane had exaggerated the fall. As the second half progressed, England created opportunities but struggled to convert, with Mpasi remaining steadfast, much to Tuchel’s visible agitation.
The breakthrough for England came in the 75th minute. Kane, drifting away from his marker, met Anthony Gordon’s floated cross and guided a header past Mpasi, who reacted slightly late. England’s captain then delivered the decisive blow with less than five minutes of regulation time remaining. He took one touch to shift the ball away from Axel Tuanzebe before unleashing a right-footed shot that found the roof of the net, securing England’s survival.
The match highlighted England’s need for improvement, particularly as they prepare for their next fixture. The team had not produced a complete performance in any of their first four games, appearing tired, fractious, and unbalanced at times, except for a strong showing against Croatia in Dallas. They will depart Atlanta with several issues to address.
Challenges and preparations for Mexico City
DR Congo’s fearless approach was evident from the start, as they maintained possession, executed passing combinations, and pressured England with their counterpress. Seven minutes into the game, Chancel Mbemba initiated a move that exposed England’s defense, leading to Cipenga’s goal. Noah Sadiki‘s run from midfield drew Djed Spence out of position, and Ezri Konsa was drawn to Wissa, leaving Spence exposed as Madueke stayed high.
The first half was marked by disarray within the England squad. Bellingham was seen expressing frustration towards the bench and received a booking after losing possession and clashing with Nathanaël Mbuku. Rice showed his anger after the goal, and Reece James intervened to calm Bellingham during the first hydration break. Pickford also expressed his frustration, hitting a pass out of play and urging his teammates to settle down. Elliot Anderson struggled in midfield, and Rashford’s performance included a ball running under his foot and out for a throw, followed by his failure to track back, which allowed DR Congo to create another chance.
A more clinical side might have extended their lead before half-time. Rice’s fitness appeared to be a concern, and the defense seemed vulnerable. Spence’s performance at right-back was noted, especially with Tino Livramento having returned home, Jarell Quansah dealing with a twisted ankle, and James having tweaked a hamstring. Rashford’s series of wayward crosses from the left led to boos from the crowd when one of his deliveries went out of play, suggesting he had played himself out of the team.
Tuchel’s tactical changes in the second half proved crucial. With 20 minutes remaining, he made his final substitutions, replacing wingers Madueke and Rashford with Bukayo Saka and Gordon. He then removed Spence, shifted Rice to right-back, and introduced Eberechi Eze to add unpredictability in the final third. The equalizer, which arrived five minutes later, was a direct result of these adjustments, with Eze combining with Rice, who then crossed to Gordon, who set up Kane’s header.
This goal involved two substitutes and a player in an unfamiliar position, creating the impression that Tuchel had the situation under control. Anthony Barry, Tuchel’s assistant, emphasized the importance of England maintaining their processes during his half-time interview, advising against playing gung-ho football. England continued to probe, and their squad depth made a difference. Gordon, who had struggled in previous group stage matches against Ghana and Croatia, finished with two assists, including the clever pass that led to Kane’s winning goal in the 86th minute. England will face Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday night.
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Source: thehindu.com
