Harry Kane rescued England from utter humiliation, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to save Thomas Tuchel's job and complete a late turnaround against DR Congo.
Match Overview
The Three Lions suffered the worst possible start when Brian Cipenga fired a low finish through Jordan Pickford's weak hand into the near post. England struggled in attack, and the defensive unit was woeful, as it has been all summer.
England had chances, the best falling to Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham, while Kane had a penalty claim waved away after theatrically tumbling under contact from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. However, Kane struck his 13th World Cup goal with five minutes to go, getting England out of jail.
Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford - 4: Beaten far too easily at the near post for DR Congo's opener. Had nothing else to do. One of England's most reliable players in eight years of major tournaments, he will be incredibly disappointed.
Djed Spence - 4: Had no idea Cipenga was behind him unmarked for the goal. Followed his man after Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi shifted over too far, but should have communicated. Was turned inside out by the DR Congo hero and lacked quality going forward.
Ezri Konsa - 5: Looks shaky whenever called into defensive action, far from commanding. Lost his shape for Cipenga's goal.
Marc Guehi - 5: Deflection off Nico O'Reilly took the cross away for Wissa's golden chance late in the first half. Far from assuring for England's best defender.
Nico O'Reilly - 6: Shadow of the player who won Player of the Year for Manchester City but grew into the game defensively. Was pushed forward in hope of a last-gasp goal.
Declan Rice - 6: Rightly furious with teammates for the opening goal. Added no urgency in possession, set-pieces were below expected level. Looked slow and unfit before playing final 20 minutes at right-back. Took off with a knock.
Elliot Anderson - 5: City will hope this version does not arrive for £116 million. Too excitable, pulled out of position, not an assuring presence in front of a shaky backline. Like a headless chicken at times.
Noni Madueke - 3: Nowhere near good enough for England, let alone starting. Benefited from Saka's lack of fitness. Hopeless balls into the box sailed through for goal kicks. His one moment of quality saw him fluff his cut back. Hooked on the hour mark.
Jude Bellingham - 6: Booked 20 minutes in for a frustrated sliding tackle. Forced a superb stop from Mpasi from a header. Late runs in the box were a key target for crosses.
Marcus Rashford - 4: Had the chance of the first half when Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared his effort off the line. His drive created the first chance of the second half but his left-footed effort was poorly smashed into the side netting. Replaced on 60 minutes.
Harry Kane - 8: England's hero saved the team with a vital header 15 minutes from time before smashing the ball into the roof of the net in the 85th minute. Felt he should have won a penalty in the first half but was not smart enough when initiating contact. Mr England.
Substitutes
Bukayo Saka - 5 (for Madueke 60 mins): First major involvement saw him miscontrol a pass out for a throw a schoolboy would have taken. Looked unfit.
Anthony Gordon - 7 (for Rashford 60 mins): Produced the looping cross for Kane's equaliser, a first moment of quality from wide areas.
Eberechi Eze - 5 (for Spence 70 mins): Did not impact the game.
John Stones - N/A (for Rice 90 mins): Brought on in added time to see through the game.
