England participant rankings vs DR Congo as Tuchel and flops saved from humiliation
Harry Kane saved England from utter humiliation after the Three Lions captain struck twice in the last 15 minutes to rescue Thomas Tuchel’s job and complete a late turnaround against DR Congo
Harry Kane saved England against DR Congo
Harry Kane is England’s saviour once again as the captain struck twice in the last 15 minutes to save Thomas Tuchel’s job
The Three Lions suffered the worst possible start when Brian Cipenga fired a low finish through a weak hand of Jordan Pickford and inside the near post. It was always bound to be a struggle in attack, but the defensive unit, as it has been all summer, was woeful.
England had chances, the best falling the way of Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham, while Harry Kane had a penalty claim waved away after theatrically tumbling under contact from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. However, Kane was the man to save his country again as his 12th and 13th World Cup goal got England out of jail.
Here, the Daily Star Sport rates the England players who must improve against Mexico.
Jordan Pickford – 4: Beaten far too easily at the near post for DR Congo’s opener at his near post. Had nothing else to do. Had been one of England’s most reliable players in his eight years of major tournaments and will be incredibly disappointed by his performance.
Djed Spence – 4: Had no idea Cipenga was behind him unmarked for the goal. Followed his man in after Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi had shifted over too far, but he should have communicated seeing the entire picture. Was turned inside out by the DR Congo hero and didn’t have the required quality going forwards.
Ezri Konsa – 5: Looks so shaky whenever called into defensive action and far from commanding. Lost his shape for Cipenga’s goal.
Marc Guehi – 5: Deflection off Nico O’Reilly took the cross away from him for Wissa’s golden chance late in the first-half. Far from assuring from the man thought of as England’s best defender.
Nico O’Reilly – 6: Shadow of the player who won Player of the Year and was the man for the big occasion for Manchester City but grew into the game from a defensive point of view. Was pushed forward in the hope of snatching a last-gasp goal
Declan Rice – 6: Rightly furious with his team-mates for the opening goal. Added no urgency in possession and set-pieces were well beyond the level expected of him. Looked slow and unfit before being forced to play the final 20 minutes at right-back. Take off with a knock again.
Elliot Anderson – 5: City will be hoping this version of Anderson will not be arriving for £116million. Far too excitable being pulled out of position and has not being an assuring presence in front of a shaky backline all tournament. Like a headless chicken at times.
Noni Madueke – 3: Nowhere near good enough to be playing, letting alone starting, for England. Benefitted from Saka’s lack of fitness all tournament and season. Hopeless balls into the box largely sailed through for goal kicks. His one moment of quality beating the defender to the byline saw him fluff his cut back to O’Reilly. Hooked on the hour mark.
Jude Bellingham – 6: Was booked 20 minutes in for a frustrated sliding tackle. Forced a superb stop from Lionel Mpasi from a header. Late runs in the box was a key target for England crosses.
Marcus Rashford – 4: Had the chance of the first half when Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared his goal-bound effort off the line. His drive created the first chance of the second half but his left footed effort was poorly smashed into the side netting. Not good enough down the left. Replaced on 60 minutes.
Harry Kane – 8: England’s hero saved England with a vital header 15 minutes from time before smashing the ball into the roof of the net to complete the turnaround in the 85th minute. Felt he should have won a penalty in the first half but was not smart enough when throwing himself in the air initiating contact. Mr England.
Subs:
Bukayo Saka – 5 (Madueke 60 mins): His first major involvement saw him miscontrol a pass out for a throw that a schoolboy would have easily taken down. Looked unfit, which he is.
Anthony Gordon – 7 (Rashford 60 mins): Produced the looping cross for Kane’s equaliser in a first moment of quality from wide areas.
Eberechi Eze – 5 (Spence 70 mins): Didn’t impact the game.
John Stones – N/A (Rice 90 mins): Brought on in added-time to see through the game.
