England find themselves in serious trouble at the 2026 World Cup, trailing DR Congo 1-0 in a knockout round tie that has so far offered little comfort to the watching nation.
Brian Cipenga broke the deadlock in just the seventh minute, giving Congo a stunning early lead that England have so far struggled to respond to in any meaningful way.
The Congo forward’s finish was a low, driven effort that crept in at Jordan Pickford’s near post, a goal that left the England goalkeeper with serious questions to answer.
Pickford, who plays his club football for Everton, will feel deeply disappointed with the manner of the goal, with many feeling he should have kept it out comfortably.
The concession has only added to England’s woes, with the team looking laboured and disjointed throughout much of the opening exchanges in midfield.
England’s passing has been particularly poor, with sloppy touches and loose balls in the middle of the park giving Congo repeated opportunities to press and create.
The situation could have been far worse for England, with Yoane Wissa hitting the post from close range at a point when Congo were threatening to tear England apart.
Had Wissa been more clinical in front of goal, Congo could easily have been two goals to the good, which would have left England’s World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy.
England legend Alan Shearer offered a blunt assessment of what he had witnessed during his BBC commentary duties, pulling no punches in his criticism of the performance.
Shearer said: “From an England point of view, very sloppy to begin with and offered nothing in the first 20-25 minutes. Much improved in forward positions at least in the second half [of the half].”
While Shearer acknowledged some improvement as the half progressed, the overall picture painted of England’s display is one that will concern supporters and management alike.
England will need a significant improvement in the second half if they are to avoid a shock World Cup exit at the hands of a determined and dangerous DR Congo side.
