England secure last 16 spot after comeback win against DR Congo
England overcame a challenging encounter against DR Congo on Wednesday night, securing a 2-1 victory to advance to the round of 16. The match, played in Atlanta, saw England come from behind after DR Congo took an early lead, pushing one of the tournament favourites to their limits.
Against pre-match expectations, DR Congo initiated the scoring. A cross from the right found Brian Cipenga unmarked at the far post. Cipenga took a touch before striking a low shot into the bottom-left corner, beating Jordan Pickford and igniting celebrations among Congolese supporters.
England created their first significant opportunity around the half-hour mark when Declan Rice delivered a cross that Jude Bellingham headed towards the top-right corner. However, Lionel Mpasi, DR Congo’s goalkeeper, made a one-handed save to deny the equaliser. Shortly after, Noni Madueke set up Marcus Rashford, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Second half resurgence
Despite Thomas Tuchel’s instructions during the hydration break, Mpasi continued to be a formidable presence, making several saves to maintain DR Congo’s lead. DR Congo nearly extended their advantage before half-time when Wan-Bissaka’s cross found Yoane Wissa, whose shot hit the post.
England then had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Adham Makhadmeh after Harry Kane went down in the box under contact from Mpasi, with VAR upholding the decision.
As the second half progressed, England continued to press, but Mpasi remained resolute. Tuchel’s agitation grew as his side struggled to find the breakthrough. The turning point arrived in the 75th minute when Kane, drifting away from his marker, met Anthony Gordon’s cross and headed the ball past Mpasi.
The equaliser was a result of Tuchel’s tactical adjustments, which included introducing Eberechi Eze and shifting Rice to right-back. Eze combined with Rice, who then crossed to Gordon, leading to Kane’s header.
England’s captain then secured the victory with less than five minutes remaining in regulation time. Kane took a touch to move the ball away from Axel Tuanzebe before unleashing a right-footed shot that found the back of the net.
Looking ahead to Mexico City
The performance, while securing passage to the next round, highlighted areas for improvement for England. Concerns were raised about the team’s overall display, with some suggesting they have yet to deliver a complete performance in their four tournament matches.
The early stages of the match saw DR Congo play fearlessly, disrupting England’s rhythm with their passing and counter-pressing. Seven minutes into the game, a long period of possession for DR Congo culminated in Cipenga’s goal, exposing vulnerabilities in England’s defence.
During the first half, there were visible signs of frustration within the England squad. Bellingham was seen expressing his displeasure towards the bench and received a booking for a challenge. Rice also showed his frustration after the goal, and Reece James was observed speaking with Bellingham during a hydration break. Pickford also urged his teammates to calm down after a misplaced pass.
England will now face Mexico in the Azteca on Sunday night for their round of 16 fixture.
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Source: thehindu.com
