England avoided one of their most embarrassing World Cup exits in recent memory, but the manner of their survival has raised serious concerns heading into the last 16.
Harry Kane’s late brace rescued England against DR Congo, sparing Thomas Tuchel what could have been a career-ending defeat in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
A loss of that nature would have ranked alongside the infamous Euro 2016 last-16 exit to Iceland and the 1950 World Cup defeat to the United States as a national disgrace.
Instead, England travel to Mexico City to face the co-hosts at the iconic Azteca Stadium, a venue that will present its own unique and formidable challenge.
Kane and Jude Bellingham have once again carried England through this tournament, with both players scoring in group wins against Croatia and Panama before their decisive contributions against DR Congo.
The pair’s brilliance is undeniable, but the persistent reliance on just two individuals to save England from mediocrity remains a deeply troubling pattern for Tuchel.
Anthony Gordon made a positive impact from the bench against DR Congo, contributing to both goals, yet Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke endured frustrating afternoons, while Bukayo Saka continues to be managed carefully due to an Achilles problem.
The right-back position has become a recurring headache, with Tuchel’s decision to select injury-prone players Tino Livramento and Reece James leaving England exposed throughout the tournament.
Livramento did not make the squad at all, while James has yet to return from a hamstring injury, and natural centre-back Jarell Quansah was pressed into the right-back role before himself picking up an injury.
Ex-England captain Alan Shearer was direct in his assessment after the DR Congo victory, telling BBC Sport: “Defensively there were far too many holes in the back four, and when we did give chances away, they scored from their first one, should have scored with the Yoane Wissa one.”
Shearer did acknowledge Declan Rice’s positive contribution when moved to right-back, adding: “Putting Declan Rice to right-back worked because he was the one that got forward and played a part in the second goal, so Tuchel has a decision to make.”
However, deploying Rice at right-back on a permanent basis would represent a damaging admission that Tuchel selected his squad poorly, given how vital Rice is to England’s midfield structure.
Former England defender Micah Richards was clear on where Rice belongs, stating: “No, I wouldn’t. I feel he can give too much in that central midfield area. If you’re going into the Mexico game, which is going to be at altitude, you need his energy in midfield.”
Richards added his preferred solution for the back line, saying: “I would go with Ezri Konsa at right-back, and put John Stones alongside Marc Guehi. That is a better balance for the team.”
Stones, dropped after starting the Croatia win, could prove crucial at the Azteca given the defensive uncertainty exposed when Konsa and Guehi switched off for Brian Cipenga’s goal against DR Congo.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney voiced broader alarm about England’s defensive shape, warning: “For me, there are big concerns. In particular, when England lose the ball they are so open. Against a better team, I think we’re in big trouble if we don’t sort that out. We’re so open in midfield.”
England’s lack of creative depth has also been a persistent issue, with the absence of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from Tuchel’s squad drawing continued scrutiny throughout the tournament.
Brentford’s Jordan Henderson, now 36, is limited to substitute appearances, raising the question of whether a creative player like Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White or Bournemouth’s Alex Scott might have served England better.
Perhaps most alarming of all is the complete invisibility of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, with neither striker seeing meaningful action across England’s four games so far, leaving Tuchel desperately reliant on Kane remaining fit throughout the tournament.
