Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon saved England as they beat DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32, but – unsurprisingly – right-back remains a problem area as Djed Spence struggled in Atlanta.
Spence came in for Jarell Quansah, who in turn had replaced the injured Reece James, before joining him in the treatment room.
It was one of three changes from the final group game win against Panama. Declan Rice returned from a calf injury, with Noni Madueke also in the XI as Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers dropped to the bench.
The Three Lions came from behind with two goals from Kane – both assisted by new Barcelona winger Gordon – after Brian Cipenga had given DR Congo the lead.
Overall, it was another stressful knockout game from England – and here’s how the players rated…
Jordan Pickford – 4
Could have done better for DR Congo’s first goal and was saved by the goalpost for Yoane Wissa’s effort at the end of the first half. Other than that, he did not have a whole lot to do, aside from an easy late collection.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could have done better for DR Congo’s goal (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Djed Spence – 4
Drawn away from Cipenga for the goal and kept being beaten by the DR Congo winger. Had some decent moments going forward down the right, but looked nervous defensively. Replaced in the 71st minute.
Ezri Konsa – 5
Questionable positioning for DR Congo’s opener and let Wissa get too far ahead of him when he hit the post. Did get back well later in the second half as DR Congo looked to break. Overall, he did OK and was England’s third right-back of the game after Rice went off.
Marc Guehi – 6
Was arguably too close to Konsa for the first goal, but was England’s best defender afterwards. Needed to mop up at the back a few times and did well.
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A look at how fans in Manchester, Brighton and London celebrated Harry Kane’s winner for England against DR Congo
Nico O’Reilly – 6
An overall good showing from the 21-year-old. Did not do anything standout, but did not make any glaring errors either. Played further forward late in the second half as England searched for a goal, but could not quite get onto the ball.
Elliot Anderson – 5
Did not hit the same heights we saw in the first three games. Made a few good interceptions in midfield and made some decent passes at times, but also gave the ball away too often. Could have scored late in the second half, but skimmed the top of the net.
Declan Rice – 6
Had a few poor set-piece deliveries. Played a great ball in for Bellingham in the first half and his pass for Gordon to set up Kane’s equaliser was wonderful.
Moved into the right-back position after Spence was taken off and did much better than the Tottenham defender. Replaced in the 92nd minute.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Jude Bellingham did not score, but was England’s most consistent attacking threat (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Was England’s most consistent attacking threat. Had two of the best chances in the first half, but was denied by Mpasi. Kept making good attacking runs, getting in good positions and having shots and was unlucky not to score.
Booked inside 19 minutes and was lucky to avoid a second yellow with one of the last actions of the game.
Noni Madueke – 4
Was strolling down the right wing as Cipenga scored and could have done better to try and cover. Overall, too negative in passing backwards and did not take on defenders enough. Replaced in the 61st minute.
Harry Kane – 8
Harry Kane celebrates with Jude Bellingham after levelling for England
Once again turned up when England needed him most with two absolutely superb goals. He should have had a penalty in the first half too. Would like to see him be more involved overall but he scores the important goals – and that’s what matters most.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Spent a large part of the first half letting passes slip past him, but did have a few good chances, including an effort cleared off the line and hitting the side net. Replaced in the 61st minute.
Subs
Bukayo Saka (for Madueke, 61) – 5
Curled in a nice ball for Gordon after the second-half hydration break and had a few other bright moments.
Anthony Gordon (for Rashford, 61) – 7
The difference-maker off the bench. Two brilliant assists for Kane’s goals and has given Tuchel food for thought on his starting XI for Mexico.
Eberechi Eze (for Spence, 71) – 5
Nothing outstanding when he came on, and remains a great option for Tuchel off the bench.
John Stones (for Rice, 90+2) – N/A
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