Harry Kane’s brace saved England from World Cup humiliation as Thomas Tuchel’s men survived an almighty scare against DR Congo to set up a mouth-watering clash with co-hosts Mexico .
A decade on from the embarrassing Euros exit to Iceland , history threatened to repeat itself as Brian Cipenga’s early strike meant they faced the prospect of falling at the first knockout hurdle to unfancied opposition.
England stumbled for large periods and struggled to beat inspired DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi , but Tuchel’s side kept their cool – and at times rode their luck – as Kane’s second-half double completed a 2-1 comeback win in the round of 32.
Here's how the England players rated :
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford - 4 (out of 10)
Beaten at his near post with a shot he would have been expected to stop.
Djed Spence
Djed Spence - 4
Came in at right-back following injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah and was not up to it.
Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa - 5
Culpable with Guehi for DR Congo’s goal as he stepped too high up.
Marc Geuhi
Marc Geuhi - 5
Made the wrong decision for the goal, but made some important interventions .
Nico O'Reilly
Nico O'Reilly - 5
Again woefully exposed at left-back and did not provide enough in attack to make up for it.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice - 6
Returned to the team after injury and showed his importance .
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson - 5
Endured his worst game in an England shirt, but did improve as England turned it around.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke - 4
Also back in the team and had some joy down the right, but his final touch was too often the wrong one.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham - 7
Could have easily had a hat-trick on another day as he looked a threat throughout.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford - 4
Missed two good chances as a frustrating England career was encapsulated with a performance that lacked an end product.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane - 9
Pulled England out of the mire with two late goals, taking his tally to five for the tournament.
Substitutes
Anthony Gordon (on for Rashford, 60): Helped turn the game around by assisting Kane twice - 8
Bukayo Saka (on for Madueke, 60): Provided more reliability on the right - 7
Eberechi Eze (on for Spence, 70): Combined well with Saka - 6
John Stones (on for Rice, 90) : N/A
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