Jude Bellingham’s brilliance rescued England again – and just as well, given the defensive fragility that threatens to derail their World Cup dream. The 2-0 win over Panama ensured phase one was mission accomplished: top of Group L, a last-32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST). But Thomas Tuchel knows the serious business starts now, and he will need more than one superstar to carry the load.
Panama, ranked 42nd in the world, frustrated England for the first hour, with Thomas Tuchel admitting ‘it was hard work’. The underdogs even sensed hope against another vulnerable defensive display. ‘I encouraged everyone to enjoy it and take it in,’ Tuchel told BBC Sport. ‘We are at the World Cup. We won the group. I know our expectations. I know our dream. I know we can do better.’
“England top Group L and face DR Congo in last 32, with BBC securing the teatime kick-off for families.”
Bellingham, whose place in the starting lineup had been debated before the tournament, answered his critics with a goal against Croatia and then a game-changing performance in New York New Jersey Stadium. Working in tandem with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, his attacking instincts occasionally left Elliot Anderson over-run as a single pivot – but Bellingham’s brilliance made it work. ‘It was hard work, but we were ready for that,’ Tuchel said.
Now England face DR Congo in a tie that BBC bosses have secured as a ‘family-friendly’ 5pm kick-off – the corporation’s priority to ensure children and families can watch together live. The BBC broke a non-aggression pact with ITV to boast about the teatime slot, pointing out it is the only free-to-air destination for the Three Lions’ knockout campaign. The move comes after ITV dominated the group-stage ratings, with England’s 4-2 win over Croatia peaking at 16.4 million viewers and the Panama match hitting 13.8 million. BBC’s highest peak was 15.4 million for the 0-0 draw with Ghana, though that game also generated 8.3 million iPlayer requests.
Criticism of BBC’s coverage has persisted: its Salford studio uses a computer-generated backdrop of US skylines, while ITV’s Brooklyn base offers a real Manhattan vista. ITV’s punditry team – Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville – have been unafraid to deliver withering criticism of England’s performances. Even ex-BBC star Gary Lineker appeared on ITV, poking fun at his former employer’s Manchester studio to plug his Netflix podcast. Yet the BBC believes Joe Hart’s observations and Wayne Rooney’s insights mean it is holding its own in the pundit wars. Key hosts are expected to travel to North America for the knockout stages, following England’s progress.
Tuchel insists the bigger the games, the bigger his side will get. He must hope he is right – or their World Cup campaign will be a short one.