England pundits erupted with fury after the Three Lions produced a lackluster first-half performance, falling 1-0 behind to DR Congo in the World Cup last 32. The team, managed by Thomas Tuchel, had topped their group with seven points but faced criticism for earlier displays, including a goalless draw with Ghana and a narrow 2-0 win over Panama. Tuchel had promised improvement in the knockout stages, but a meek first half saw England jeered by their own fans as they trailed to a side ranked 31 places below them.
Defensive Lapse Leads to Congo Goal
England's backline was caught napping on a Congo counter-attack, allowing Brian Cipenga to cut inside past Tottenham's Djed Spence and beat Jordan Pickford with a low shot at the near post. The goal exposed defensive frailties that have plagued England throughout the tournament.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney did not hold back: "In the first 30 minutes, I thought England were very poor and sloppy in giving the ball away. They had no intensity and were not getting to the ball. DR Congo looked very comfortable and were doing what they wanted with the ball. It was poor and they didn't look like they had any energy about them."
Pundits Question Tactics and Body Language
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards expressed confusion over England's approach: "I am really confused with what they are trying to do. It's so easy for DR Congo to play through the lines. There is no press or organisation. It's really frustrating watching England play like this because they have got so much more to offer."
Ex-Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart defended Pickford but acknowledged the team's issues: "DR Congo have been excellent. England looked solid shape-wise to start with, but DR Congo have no fear of this England team and you can feel it. England are looking a little bit shaky, and you saw it with Jude Bellingham and with keeping putting the ball out of play." Hart added: "Obviously everyone is going to be looking at Jordan Pickford. But it's a good, zippy shot down to his right, and he doesn't quite get there. Once he sets, it is difficult. If it's anywhere else in the goal and someone hits it low and hard past you, nothing gets said. It's just because it's at that near post."
Shearer Fumes Over Penalty Denial
Former England striker Alan Shearer, on co-commentary for the BBC, raged at VAR's failure to award a penalty after Harry Kane went down under contact from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Shearer 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."
Warnings Signs for England
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson highlighted the team's body language: "I'm not enjoying the body language of the England players. I saw a shot of Jude Bellingham after that misplaced pass. I'm not liking the body language of the players and the manager at the moment. England's defensive frailties are on show too much. When DR Congo go forward, they can cause problems. The warning signs are there for England." Robinson added: "There absolutely is tension in this England performance. It's not the start they wanted. It's panning out the same as the Ghana game and the Panama game. There's a blueprint to play against England, and now they have the goal, it's going to make it difficult."
