England 2-1 DR Congo: World Cup last 32 player ratings
England Jordan Pickford Got a hand to Cipenga’s strike but could have done better. Will be relieved that England rescued themselves. 5 Djed Spence Must
England Jordan Pickford Got a hand to Cipenga’s strike but could have done better. Will be relieved that England rescued themselves. 5 Djed Spence Must take some blame for the goal and general confusion in defence. Offered occasional threat in attack. 4 Ezri Konsa Had a nightmare afternoon. Caught out for the opening goal, always looked panicked in possession. 4 Marc Guéhi The only England defender who seems comfortable on the ball. Time for a new partner? 7 Nico O’Reilly Made far too many basic mistakes, not a defender. His future must be further up the pitch. 5 Elliot Anderson Often found himself outnumbered in midfield but found his rhythm and came close to scoring. 7 Declan Rice Struggled to impose himself on proceedings until moving to right-back. Poor delivery from set pieces. 5 Noni Madueke Lacked end product when it matters despite promising moments. Was a spectator for opening goal. 5 Jude Bellingham Will still be wondering how he didn’t score after having three efforts saved.
But played his part in comeback. 8 View image in fullscreen Jude Bellingham could not find a way past Lionel Mpasi in the DRC goal. Photograph: Colin Hubbard/AP Marcus Rashford Summed up England’s awful start by miscontrolling ball out of play. Last contribution was a terrible cross. 3 Harry Kane England’s saviour yet again. Where would Thomas Tuchel be without his captain? Probably out of a job. 9 Subs: Bukayo Saka (for Madueke 60) A slow start but looked dangerous with a couple of runs. Has to start against Mexico. 7; Anthony Gordon (for Rashford 60) Two assists off the bench showed why he is joining Barcelona next season. 9; Eberechi Eze (for Spence 70) Exerted his influence as England chased the game. 7; John Stones (for Rice 90) Late sub as England saw out win. 6 DR Congo Lionel Mpasi Three brilliant saves in first half and another from Bellingham. But will be disappointed not to have stopped Kane’s first.
8 Aaron Wan-Bissaka The Croydon-born right back produced a brilliant goal-line clearance and was dangerous in attack. 8 skip past newsletter promotion Free newsletter | Every weekday Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football Preview latest Enter your email Sign up after newsletter promotion Axel Tuanzebe Rashford’s old school friend was a towering presence in the heart of DR Congo’s defence and made some key blocks. 7 Chancel Mbemba Brilliant pass to set up Cipenga’s goal and kept Kane quiet for most of the game. But not long enough. 6 Arthur Masuaku West Ham defender kept Madueke relatively quiet but struggled against Saka when he came on. 6 Nathanaël Mbuku A lively presence down the right flank. He almost scored just before being taken off. 7 Ngal’ayel Mukau More than played his part in DRC’s physical approach. The Lille midfielder looks to have a bright future. 8 Samuel Moutoussamy The powerhouse with a distinctive haircut was a formidable obstacle, although tired in the second half.
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