England Player Ratings: Difficult Start Against DR Congo
Quick Look
- England's football team faced a difficult match against DR Congo, with several key players, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defenders, struggling.
- Despite efforts from Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, the team's performance was largely unconvincing, leading to low player ratings.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
England's back four has been unconvincing throughout this tournament, raising questions about the amount of space afforded to opposition attacks. Nico O'Reilly, 21, only emerged as England's starting left-back in November, facing a big ask in an unsettled back four.
Jordan Pickford: A nightmare start for the England goalkeeper, beaten at his near post by Brian Cipenga's shot for the opening goal of the match as the Three Lions went behind. 5
Djed Spence: Caught in an awkward position for DR Congo's opener. He missed the header when tracking a runner into the box and then had too much ground to cover to stop the shot. Recovered as the game went on but a tough day. 5
Ezri Konsa: Part of a back four that has not looked convincing throughout this tournament, with questions about the amount of space that has been afforded when the opposition attacks. A big chance to equalise in the second half but did not matter after Kane's heroics. 5
Marc Guehi: The Manchester City defender is usually so reliable when playing in the Premier League but the centre back was not convincing in a back four that looked vulnerable. 5
Nico O'Reilly: O'Reilly only emerged as England's starting left-back in November. He's exceptionally talented and performed well for Manchester City but it's been a big ask for the 21-year-old to be such a key player in a back four that is not settled. 5
Elliot Anderson: A difficult night for Anderson who was left with massive amounts of space to cover in England's very open midfield. Improved in the second half as did the rest of the team. 6
Declan Rice: England needed their experienced players to step up. After going behind Rice looked to impose himself on the game and his delivery from corners and set-pieces looked to be the most likely way that England would equalise. Part of a midfield that left too much space at the defence exposed. Moved to right back in latter stages. 7
Jude Bellingham: Tried to inject energy into a poor England performance. Was frustrated at times and booked for a late challenge. Had two headers saved by the excellent Lionel Mpasi. 6
Noni Madueke: Lots of energy from the Arsenal winger but questions remain about his end product. He provided England's best chance of the first half as his cross fell to Rashford, whose shot was cleared off the line. Taken off for Bukayo Saka in the second half. 5
Marcus Rashford: Flashes of the quality that we know Rashford has but not enough and the performance became increasingly desperate as England chased an equaliser. Subbed off. 5
Open Questions
- What specific tournament is being referred to?
- What was the final score of the match?
- What were Kane's heroics that equalized the score?
