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 reach the last 16. The win spared head coach Thomas Tuchel 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 to face the co-hosts in the iconic Azteca Stadium. But the performance exposed cracks that have been evident throughout the campaign.
Thomas Tuchel's England have relied heavily on two players: captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Kane has 84 goals for England, and his winner against DR Congo was described as his best and most important. Bellingham has been England's best player in the tournament by a country mile, named man of the match in three of four matches. Both scored in Group L wins against Croatia and Panama, and they were again the driving force against DR Congo. But as good as they are, there will come a day when they do not bail out under-performing team-mates.
“Explains England's struggles, reliance on Kane and Bellingham, and challenges facing Thomas Tuchel.”
The rest of the squad has left Tuchel with huge issues. Jordan Pickford has been way off his best, failing to stop DR Congo's goal and struggling with distribution. The right-back position has become a poisoned chalice: Reece James was picked despite a history of injuries and is now injured; Tino Livramento went home before the tournament; Djed Spence struggled badly against DR Congo. John Stones is clearly not at the required level after barely playing all season, while Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa look as if they have never met. Declan Rice, normally the glue in midfield, looks broken and ended the win against DR Congo playing at right-back. In attack, Marcus Rashford was so poor that England fans gave him stick, Noni Madueke offered no defensive cover, and Bukayo Saka appears only half fit with an Achilles problem. Anthony Gordon had an outstanding impact off the bench against DR Congo but was woeful in a previous match. Tuchel admitted to a 'huge disadvantage' ahead of the Mexico match, noting the altitude, crowd and task stacked against them.
For UK readers, England's World Cup run is a source of national pride and hope. The team reached the last 16 unbeaten in the group stage, but their performances have been far below their best. Many players look knackered or carrying injuries after a gruelling season. The reliance on Kane and Bellingham is both a strength and a vulnerability. If England survive Mexico, the achievement would be one of the greatest in English sport. But if they fail, it will be a devastating early exit.
Q: Why are England struggling at the World Cup? England are struggling because several key players are out of form or carrying injuries, and Tuchel has not settled on a best XI. Defensive issues, a rotating right-back position, and a midfield that lacks balance have all contributed to unconvincing performances.
Q: Who are England's most important players? Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are the standout performers. Kane has scored crucial goals, including the winner against DR Congo, while Bellingham has been man of the match in three of four games. They have bailed England out repeatedly.
Q: What happens next for England in the World Cup? England face Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The match is a huge challenge: Mexico are co-hosts with passionate home support, and England will face altitude and a hostile crowd. A win would set up a quarter-final meeting with the winner of another last-16 tie.
England's last-16 match against Mexico is scheduled to be played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Tuchel has acknowledged the 'huge disadvantage' of facing a host nation with overwhelming crowd support. A loss would end England's tournament and likely bring intense scrutiny on Tuchel's selection and tactics. A win would be one of England's greatest-ever achievements, but based on current form, the team will need Kane and Bellingham to produce more heroics.