Harry Kane was England’s Captain Marvel once again, leading England to a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Three Lions got off to a terrible start with Brian Shipenga putting the underdogs ahead, but just as their hopes were dashed, Kane scored twice to keep England’s World Cup dreams alive.
Defensive vulnerabilities were a major concern within Tuchel’s side, and they were quickly exposed as Shipenga fired a shot past Jordan Pickford at his near post. The stunned Three Lions looked at each other, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice both making their displeasure clear.
It could have and should have been two points when Yoan Wissa rose on the edge of a cross, but his shot only clipped the outside of the post.
The hydration break came at the right time for Tuchel and his players and they have since improved. However, hopes of an equalizer in the first half were dashed by Lionel Mpathi, who made a series of miraculous saves.
But Mpathi would have been relieved when Harry Kane let the ball fly before it made contact with his back foot.
However, after a lengthy check, Adamu Mahadome waved off the protests, much to the dismay of captain Kane.
There were calls for patience at half-time, but despite chances from Marcus Rashford and Bellingham, England were unable to claw their way back into the game.
But when England needed a hero. Their all-time leading goalscorer stepped forward.
First, he headed home Anthony Gordon’s cross with 15 minutes remaining, then scored his second goal in the 86th minute. His 12th and 13th World Cup goals in his increasingly legendary Three Lions career.
England will need to be better to get past Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday night, but for now… it’s a relief.
John Cross, the Mirror’s chief football writer, was at Atlanta Stadium to assess England’s players…
Evaluation of England players vs DR Congo
Jordan Pickford 4 Shouldn’t have been at the near post. Overall a poor World Cup.
Jordan Pickford looks depressed during England vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Jed Spence 4 He’s struggled all season on a struggling team…and he’s struggled here. No surprises.
Ezri Konsa 5 Unwittingly came close to tying the score with a deflected shot. Defensively exposed.
Mark Guehi 5 He and the concert were not on the same wavelength at all. England’s defense looked vulnerable.
Nico O’Reilly 5 But he didn’t overlap, he didn’t get forward, he didn’t play anywhere close to his level at Man City.
Declan Rice 7 He has improved a lot since he moved to right-back. Yes, really. I did a very big job.
Elliott Anderson 6 For an hour he really struggled, but when Rice became right-back and had more space, he got better.
Elliott Anderson during England’s final 32 World Cup match against Democratic Republic of the Congo
Noni Madueke 4 I was hooked after an hour when I had little to offer the cover or the final product. poor.
Jude Bellingham 7 Had two headers denied and another produced a fine save. I worked very hard.
Marcus Rashford 5 Used in place of Gordon due to insufficient offers. Once again, I failed from the beginning.
Harry Kane 8 Stepped up when England needed him most. Captain Marvel saved England with two goals.
Harry Kane celebrates scoring England’s second goal against Democratic Republic of Congo
substitute
Saka, replacing Maduke, provided a spark for England in the 61st minute.
Gordon, in place of Rashford, 61 minutes, 7 Great performance – helped keep the game moving.
For Eze, Spence, 71 minutes, 6 Really positive and impressive.
Stones, for rice, 90 minutes Not applicable
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