England’s World Cup Journey Continues
England secured a spot in the World Cup 2026 last 16 after a late victory against DR Congo, with captain Harry Kane scoring two crucial goals. The win means England will now face Mexico in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca. This match will present unique challenges due to the altitude and humidity.
The match against DR Congo saw England facing potential elimination until Kane’s intervention. Head coach Thomas Tuchel, whose position might have been in question had England lost, saw his team overcome a difficult period. The victory, however, did not fully address some of the team’s ongoing issues that have been apparent throughout the campaign, including selection and performance concerns.
The match was widely watched, with 16.3 million viewers tuning in on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, making it the most-watched moment on the BBC this year. The average viewership for the game was 14 million. This significant audience engagement highlights the national interest in England’s World Cup progression.
Key Players and Persistent Issues
Kane and Jude Bellingham have been central to England’s performance in the World Cup, consistently contributing goals and leadership. Both players scored in group stage victories against Croatia and Panama, and were pivotal in the win over DR Congo. While their contributions have been vital, there is a sentiment that other players need to step up and share the responsibility.
Anthony Gordon made a notable impact as a substitute against DR Congo, playing a role in both goals. In contrast, players like Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke had a less effective outing. Concerns also persist regarding Bukayo Saka’s fitness, as he manages an Achilles problem, with Tuchel seemingly cautious about over-exerting him.
The right-back position continues to be a challenge for England, with injuries and inconsistent form affecting selections. Declan Rice, typically a key midfielder, was seen playing at right-back during the latter stages of the match against DR Congo, which some observers, including former England captain Alan Shearer, found to be a sign of confusion. Shearer acknowledged Rice’s contribution to the equaliser from that position but questioned the long-term viability of this choice given Rice’s importance in midfield.
Former England defender Micah Richards also expressed reservations about Rice at right-back, suggesting that his energy is more needed in central midfield, especially for the upcoming match against Mexico at altitude. Richards proposed Ezri Konsa at right-back, with John Stones alongside Marc Guehi, to achieve better team balance. Stones was not included in the starting lineup against DR Congo after featuring in the win against Croatia.
Another area of concern is the team’s creative output. The absence of natural creators like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from the squad has been a talking point, particularly after a goalless draw against Ghana. While Palmer and Foden reportedly had less impactful club seasons, some argue that other players like Morgan Gibbs-White or Alex Scott, who were also overlooked, could have provided more creative options.
Striking Options and Future Challenges
The reliance on Kane also brings into focus the depth of England’s striking options. While Kane has been in excellent form, questions have been raised about Tuchel’s trust in other forwards like Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Toney, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, was a surprise inclusion in the squad, having made only a brief appearance for the national side in June 2025.
In the four matches played so far, Toney has not featured, and Watkins has only played a brief six minutes as a substitute against Panama. During the stalemate against Ghana and when chasing the game against DR Congo, neither player was brought on, with Tuchel opting for other attacking changes. This suggests that Tuchel is heavily dependent on Kane’s fitness and form as England progresses in the tournament.
The upcoming match against Mexico in Mexico City will be a significant test. The altitude of the location is expected to impact player fatigue and the ball’s trajectory, as noted by performance specialist James Barber. Barber explained that reduced oxygen at altitude leads to quicker fatigue and impaired sprinting ability, with players experiencing breathlessness and elevated heart rates. The ball is also expected to travel further due to less air resistance.
Anthony Gordon expressed excitement about facing Mexico at the Azteca, describing it as a potentially once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. He praised Kane’s consistency and leadership, stating that Kane is an inspiration to the team. The match on Sunday will be England’s first World Cup game at the Estadio Azteca since 1986, when they defeated Paraguay in the round of 16.
Source: bbc.com
