Joe Cole has revealed that England's World Cup performance against DR Congo worried him so much that he considered Thomas Tuchel's position as manager. The former Three Lions midfielder joked that he contemplated appointing Eddie Howe during England's lacklustre first half against the African minnows.
England's Scare Against DR Congo
England found themselves behind in their Round of 32 showdown with DR Congo and needed Harry Kane to rescue them from a shock defeat. Brian Cipenga stunned the tournament contenders after taking just seven minutes to find a way through the Three Lions defence. Tuchel's side came out swinging after the setback and the hydration break, but it wasn't until the dying embers that the Bayern Munich star and all-time England goalscorer pulled them out of the mire with a superb brace.
Cole, speaking on the Rest is Football show on Netflix, admitted that he was pondering over a managerial change as England stared down the barrel of international embarrassment. He said: "We said today we thought he'd (Mainoo) come on to find a pass. Tuchel said before the tournament, 15/16 players he makes the same subs and he's got the same way of playing, he could've panicked today and thrown on Toney or Watkins. I was panicking, at one point we were talking who's the next England manager, is it Eddie Howe? Just before the hydration break, we're trying to change the manager."
Cole's Confidence in Key Players
He added: "That's why I think we've got a chance because you've got two of your best players at the top of their powers. Forget everyone else Declan, he's a bit off it, he's carrying something, we don't look like we're assured at the back but your two best players are firing, you're going into the last-16 with a chance."
England make the trip to Mexico City on Monday (1am kick-off) to face co-hosts Mexico. After an indifferent start from Tuchel's side, trepidation has been sparked ahead of the trip to face El Tri as they travel to the raucous capital with Javier Aguirre's side yet to concede a goal. Altitude could play its role in the encounter as well, with the Mexican capital 2,240 metres (7,220 feet) above sea level.
Tuchel Under Scrutiny
Tuchel continues to divide opinion over his squad decisions, as the call to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold at home remains contentious. The decision hasn't been helped by an injury crisis in the right-back department, with Tino Livramento forced to withdraw due to injury while Jarell Quansah limped out of the win over Panama in the final group match. Following Livramento's injury, Tuchel called up Trevoh Chalobah, a recognised central defender for Chelsea, which created further hysteria surrounding Alexander-Arnold's snub.
Tuchel continues to face scrutiny despite England's unbeaten start to the World Cup. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss offered a change in tact to Gareth Southgate, who guided the Three Lions to two major tournament finals, after he left following criticism in the wake of their Euro 2024 defeat to Spain.
