England have survived a major scare at the World Cup, coming from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1.
The Three Lions produced a poor performance in Atlanta, but Harry Kane double saw Thomas Tuchel’s side advance.
Most expected DR Congo to sit in a low block for the whole game and frustrate England.
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But they started on the front foot, and took the lead within seven minutes through the lively Brian Cipenga.
England had chances, but were kept at bay by an inspired Lionel Mpasi in the DR Congo goal.
Tuchel made important changes in the second-half that helped turn the game on its head, and the Three Lions live to fight another day, with Mexico lying in wait on Sunday in the last 16.
How media outlets rated Jordan Pickford
Prior to this game, there had been criticism of Jordan Pickford.
The Everton goalkeeper might have done better for the goals conceded against Croatia and some expressed that he had spread a bit of panic among his defenders.
Against DR Congo, Pickford was undoubtedly poor for the goal scored by Cipenga.
There was a catalogue of errors, but to see Pickford get beaten at his near post was highly disappointing.
Pickford was fine in possession, though, and there was one moment in the second-half where he was very alert to snuff out a DR Congo counter-attack, taking up a high starting position as the ball came through.
Some UK media outlets have delivered their verdicts on Pickford, and unfortunately he generally rates as one of the worst players:
- The Independent (5/10): “Should do better for the Brian Cipenga strike, as crisp as it was, he’ll want to keep that out at the near post.”
- The Mirror (4/10): “Should not have been at the near post. A poor World Cup overall.”
- Daily Express (5/10): “One of England’s finest-ever, but he won’t want to see the DR Congo opener back. Most likely his final World Cup match as an England goalkeeper.”
- Daily Star (4/10): “Beaten far too easily at the near post for DR Congo’s opener at his near post. Had nothing else to do. Had been one of England’s most reliable players in his eight years of major tournaments and will be incredibly disappointed by his performance.”
- Goal (3/10): “No way he should have been beaten at his near post by Cipenga’s shot. Barely tested thereafter, meaning he had no chance to redeem himself.”
Pickford must improve
There was a bit of an overreaction after Pickford’s performance against Croatia.
But he has unfortunately not really delivered yet for England at the tournament and the goal he conceded against DR Congo will unfortunately give some neutrals some more ammunition.
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He could now do with a strong performance against Mexico.
It’s probably unlikely Thomas Tuchel will be thinking about a change, but a poor showing in an England win on Sunday could put him under pressure.
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