England secure World Cup last 16 spot against DR Congo, concerns remain

By Sanjay Menon — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

England advanced to the World Cup 2026 last 16 after a victory over DR Congo, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to secure the win. The result means England will now face Mexico in Mexico City at the Azteca Stadium. Despite the progression, the match highlighted ongoing issues for head coach Thomas Tuchel‘s side, including defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of creative depth.

The match against DR Congo saw England facing a potential early exit from the tournament. Kane‘s late interventions were crucial, preventing what some have described as a national embarrassment that could have rivalled past defeats. The victory keeps England‘s World Cup aspirations alive, setting up a challenging encounter against co-hosts Mexico.

The dramatic win captured a significant audience, with the match between England and DR Congo achieving a peak audience of 16.3 million viewers on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The broadcast averaged 14 million viewers, making it a highly watched moment for the broadcaster this year.

Squad and Tactical Concerns

While Kane and Jude Bellingham have been key performers, contributing goals and inspiration, there are questions about other players stepping up. Anthony Gordon made an impact from the bench against DR Congo, playing a role in both goals. However, players like Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke had a frustrating outing, and Bukayo Saka is being carefully managed due to an Achilles problem.

Tuchel‘s team selections have drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the right-back position, which has seen frequent changes due to injuries or form issues. The sight of Declan Rice, typically a central midfielder, playing at right-back in the closing stages against DR Congo has further fuelled discussions about the team’s balance. Former England captain Alan Shearer noted the defensive holes in the back four, while ex-England defender Micah Richards suggested Ezri Konsa at right-back and a central defensive pairing of John Stones and Marc Guehi for better balance.

The squad’s creative output has also been a point of debate. The exclusion of natural creators such as Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from the World Cup squad has been highlighted, especially after a goalless draw against Ghana. Some suggest that players like Morgan Gibbs-White or Alex Scott, or even Palmer or Foden, might have offered more creative options than others in the squad.

Concerns also persist about the depth at striker beyond Kane. Despite the inclusion of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney in the squad, neither has seen significant playing time. Toney has not featured in England‘s four games, and Watkins received only a few minutes as a substitute in the match against Panama. This suggests a reliance on Kane to remain fit and in form throughout the tournament.

Looking Ahead to Mexico

The upcoming last 16 match against Mexico in Mexico City presents unique challenges, including playing at altitude and in humid conditions. An expert from The Altitude Centre, James Barber, explained that less oxygen at altitude leads to quicker fatigue and impaired sprinting ability. He also noted that the ball will travel further due to reduced air resistance.

Anthony Gordon expressed excitement about facing Mexico at the Azteca, describing it as a potentially once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. He praised Harry Kane, calling him an inspiration and highlighting his consistent high-level performance. Gordon believes the team is ready for the challenge, having faced adversity and maintaining good momentum.

The Azteca Stadium holds historical significance for England, as they previously won a World Cup match there in 1986, defeating Paraguay in the round of 16. The match against Mexico is scheduled for Sunday.

Source: bbc.com