Wayne Rooney has warned Thomas Tuchel that England will be in “big trouble” at the World Cup if tactical issues are not addressed. The Three Lions advanced to the last-16 after a 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta, but Tuchel’s side struggled for large periods.
Falling behind in the seventh minute, captain Harry Kane’s second-half brace saved England from humiliation and set up a clash with co-hosts Mexico. Rooney, however, believes Tuchel got his “answers” about certain players, predicting an early exit unless connections improve across the pitch.
“For me, there’s big concerns,” the former England captain told the BBC. “When England lose the ball, they are so open. Against a better team, I think we’re in big trouble if we don’t sort that out.”
Rooney highlighted gaps in midfield and poor links between defence and midfield, adding: “Nico O’Reilly did well, but the full-backs are struggling. There is just no connection. That gives Tuchel answers, and he really needs to look at that, otherwise we will go out.”
