English media criticize Tuchel despite round-of-16 qualification – Kane a bright spot

Particular focus fell on the personnel decisions of the 52-year-old German coach. The "Daily Star" complained: "Der eklatante Mangel an Kreativität auf der englischen Ersatzbank wurde deutlich, als ziellose Flanken in den Strafraum geschlagen wurden". The paper pointed to Premier League stars Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, who were not nominated for the World Cup.

World-class striker Thierry Henry also voiced criticism: "Die Mannschaft habe sich unerklärlicherweise in ein 'Pub-Team' verwandelt, habe 'langsam und schlampig' gespielt". Tuchel's side was in many areas "einfach nicht auf der Höhe". The "Daily Mirror" took a similar view, headlining: "Harry Kane rettet das glanzlose englische Team und hält den WM-Traum am Leben".

Rooney warns of elimination

Former England international Wayne Rooney was also unhappy, telling the BBC: "Es gibt einfach keine Verbindungen und große Lücken in der Mitte des Spielfelds, und das bereitet mir große Sorgen". The defense was also a source of headaches for him: "Wir freuen uns alle, dass England weitergekommen ist, aber besonders, wenn England den Ball verliert, ist die Abwehr sehr anfällig".

Already after the win, Rooney issued a clear warning: Tuchel must "unbedingt ansehen, sonst scheiden wir aus" the performance. Rooney, who is facing a suspension in the summer of 2024 and has worked as a TV expert since ending his playing career, knows the expectations placed on the English side from his own experience as a player.

Kane the bright spot

The positive counterpoint, once again, was Harry Kane. The star striker scored twice against the Congolese and put his team on course. The Bayern Munich forward now has five tournament goals at this competition. "Von nun an werde ich ihn Sir Harry Kane nennen", France striker star Thierry Henry told the US broadcaster "CBS", lauding the Englishman.

The tabloid press also celebrated Kane. "The Sun" wrote "Kate & the Great" over a photo showing the Bayern star after the match kissing his wife — who, like England's duchess, is also named Kate. "Er allein war die Antwort.", the paper judged, summing up the striker's performance.

Next opponent: Mexico

Meanwhile, the English side already faces its next difficult task: in the round of 16, Kane's team will meet strong co-host Mexico overnight from Sunday to Monday at the legendary Azteca Stadium. Kickoff is at 2:00 a.m. German time, with the match broadcast by MagentaTV.

For Tuchel and his team, the task now is to address the weaknesses shown in order to stay in the tournament. The level of expectation in the home of football has risen enormously after the disappointing performance against the DR Congo.

The World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada has been running since June 11 and lasts a total of 38 days. For the first time, there are twelve group-stage groups with 48 teams. Already through to the round of 16 are, among others, Belgium and the USA, who defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina despite being a man down.