World Cup 2026: England Escape Against DR Congo, But Issues Remain

England were 15 minutes from one of the most abject humiliations in their World Cup history until Harry Kane's late heroics helped them overcome DR Congo to face Mexico in the last 16. Kane scored twice to rescue England, as well as head coach Thomas Tuchel, who may not have survived a result that would have ranked alongside the last-16 defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016 and the loss to the United States at the 1950 World Cup as a national embarrassment. Instead, England's World Cup dream lives on as they head to Mexico City, into a nation alive with passion and football fever, to face the co-hosts in the iconic surrounding of Azteca Stadium.

England's win, however, did not cover cracks exposed regularly in this campaign, as well as obvious flaws in selection and performance. Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England's standout performers at this World Cup, contributing goals and world-class inspiration. The pair were both on target in Group L wins against Croatia and Panama and were England's leading lights against DR Congo. It would help England and Tuchel's cause if others could come to the party. As good as Kane and Bellingham are, there will come a day when they do not bail under-performing teammates and their head coach out.

Anthony Gordon had an outstanding impact off the bench with a part in both goals against DR Congo, but it was a frustrating day for Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, while Tuchel is still clearly wary of over-exerting Bukayo Saka as he manages an Achilles problem. Kane and Bellingham revel in responsibility as England's leaders, but it is about time others shared the burden around at this World Cup.

If Tuchel does know his best team, he is hiding it well – the amount of shuffling on the flanks and in defense suggests he does not. The right-back position is becoming a poisoned chalice, either because of injuries or loss of form. And the sight of Declan Rice, the glue that holds England together as a performer of the highest class in midfield, ending the win against DR Congo at right-back once again hinted at confusion. Tuchel has self-inflicted wounds because of his selection of two players with a history of injury problems in Tino Livramento and Reece James. Livramento did not even make the World Cup, while there is still no date for James' return from another hamstring injury.