England trail 1-0 against DR Congo at half-time in their World Cup round of 32 clash in Atlanta, with Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute goal proving decisive. Thomas Tuchel's side face the prospect of an early exit unless they can find an equaliser in the second half.
Early Shock for England
DR Congo took the lead in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga found the net, stunning the Three Lions. England had hoped for a stress-free afternoon after seeing Germany and the Netherlands crash out at this stage, but instead find themselves on the back foot.
Tuchel made three changes to his starting line-up, with Djed Spence, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke replacing Jarell Quansah, Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka. The changes failed to produce an immediate impact as England struggled to find their rhythm.
Kane Penalty Shout Ignites Controversy
Just before half-time, Harry Kane went down in the penalty area after DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi came charging out. The referee waved play on, giving Kane a yellow card for simulation, and VAR did not recommend a review. Replays showed contact between the two players, sparking fury among England fans and pundits.
Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC One, said: "There is contact, there is no doubt. For me that is a penalty. Kane may have made the most of it but the keeper has come out and his hands are there. If he is going to come rushing out like that with his hands as a forward you have every right to make connection and go down."
Paul Robinson added on BBC Radio 5Live: "Wow. They have got that wrong. They have got that so wrong. That's not just me being patriotic, that is a penalty. The contact is there."
England's First-Half Performance
Despite the early setback, England improved as the half progressed, particularly after a hydration break. Jude Bellingham went close with a header and had a shot saved by Mpasi, who was named man of the match by many pundits. Marcus Rashford had a ball cleared off the line, and Kane was denied from a corner.
England assistant manager Anthony Barry told BBC One at half-time: "We still have 45 to play. Obviously, to concede an early goal to a team that plays this style of football is never a good thing. It can normally carry you into a state of shock. It is something that has released us guys. We have taken the handbrake off. We have created many, many, many chances. The goalkeeper is man of the match so far. It is not a time to panic."
Half-Time Player Ratings
Chief football writer John Cross provided half-time ratings: Jordan Pickford 4, Djed Spence 4, Ezri Konsa 5, Marc Guehi 6, Nico O'Reilly 5, Declan Rice 5, Elliot Anderson 5, Noni Madueke 5, Jude Bellingham 6, Marcus Rashford 5, Harry Kane 5.
Second Half Begins
England have 45 minutes to salvage their World Cup dream. Tuchel made his first changes in the 60th minute, bringing on Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka for Rashford and Madueke. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are among the options on the bench. The winner of this match will face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16.
