England's football team faces personnel concerns and self-criticism ahead of Congo match

The criticism of the performance against Panama was particularly pointed. Former Irish international Roy Keane, now working as a TV pundit, said during halftime of the match on ITV Radio: „Sie haben Schwierigkeiten, es fehlt an der Intensität“. Keane also stated: „Wenn man gegen ein Team mit weniger Qualität spielt, wird man auf deren Niveau heruntergezogen.“

Criticism from Roy Keane after the Panama match

Keane followed up with a drastic description: „Das scheint England passiert zu sein.“ England reminded him „an Schottland“, and he added: „So schlecht.“ The comparisons with the historic rival, who likewise often distinguishes itself through struggle rather than playing quality, carry significant weight in English football circles.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham continue to be regarded as the pillars of the team. One observer captured their importance with a metaphor, calling them the team's „Lebensversicherungen". Without goals and creativity from these two players, England had recently struggled to make any impact.

Congo as a surprise team

Their opponents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, by contrast, travel to Atlanta with confidence. The team recorded a 1:1 draw against Portugal in the group stage, lost narrowly 0:1 to eventual group winner Colombia, and secured its place in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams with a 3:1 victory over Uzbekistan after trailing at halftime.

For the Central Africans, this is only their second World Cup appearance ever, after 1974 – when they still played as Zaire. The squad, made up of largely unknown players, is regarded as one of the positive surprises of the group stage and, according to English observers, will do everything it can to test the „Three Lions'" defense in a manner similar to Panama.

Outlook on the duel in Atlanta

One thing is clear from the English perspective: DR Congo must not become a stumbling block at the start of the knockout phase. Otherwise, Thomas Tuchel's side faces the earliest World Cup exit in a long time – and the personnel concerns in defense would further fuel the debate over playing style and intensity.

The situation ahead of Wednesday evening's clash in Atlanta therefore remains tense: England must significantly raise its performance if it is to silence the international criticism and stay in the tournament. DR Congo, for its part, sees its chance to build on the surprises of the group stage.