England 2-1 DR Congo: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash

England will travel to Mexico for their Round of 16 clash.

Engand have defeated the DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scoring twice for the English side, Kane became the first player to score a brace for England in a knockout game since Gary Lineker 36 years ago.

The Three Lions will next face co-hosts Mexico in their next game. Thomas Tuchel’s men played with a high-pressing mentality, and, surprisingly, the Leopards also did not sit back in a low block. The DR Congo also created chances. However, the Three Lions crafted a spectacular comeback in the last 20 minutes, courtesy of Harry Kane.

On that note, let’s take a look at the five key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash:

5. Declan Rice is important for England

After Declan Rice shifted from midfield to defence, the English side started playing with more freedom. Rice is undeniably one of the most experienced and physical players in the English line-up, and he can also be trusted with his versatility.

Against the Leopards, he maintained a 96 per cent passing accuracy, created two big chances, and had four touches in the opposition box despite playing as a defensive player. However, if he has sustained an injury, Thomas Tuchel’s side will face more problems.

4. Marcus Rashford in the attack is not reliable

Following their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening game, it seemed like the Lions have a strong attack. Harry Kane scored a brace, while Marcus Rashford scored off the bench. However, since then, the side’s attack has not been at its best.

Against DR Congo, Rashford did not create any chances, and two out of the three shots he took were off target. Noni Madueke had more dribbles, three. Thomas Tuchel was later forced to make double attacking changes, which eventually led to England’s victory.

Also Read: Why was Harry Kane’s penalty not given in England vs DR Congo FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash?

3. England’s right-back issue had caught up

Thomas Tuchel’s choice was questioned after former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was not named in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Real Madrid defender did not have a great season in Madrid and was also not playing for the Three Lions under the German tactician.

Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento, who has had an injury-prone season, was chosen for the global tournament alongside Reece James, whose fitness concerns have been prolonged. Livramento was ruled out of the tournament before the Three Lions’ first game, while James has also picked up a knee issue.

Jarell Quansah, who played as a right-back against Panama, also sustained an injury, while Thomas Tuchel was disappointed by Djed Spence’s performance in the knockout game. Eventually, the German technician decided to introduce Eberechi Eze into the midfield and force Declan Rice back to the right flank in the back line.

2. Lionel Mpasi-Nzau put up a spectacle

The statistics can not do justice to Lionel Mpasi-Nzau’s performance against the Three Lions. The 31-year-old put up a flawless performance in the first half, making four saves. Mpasi-Nzau was fearless against the English attacker, who was making constant attacks from the flanks. The 31-year-old was one of the key reasons that kept the 1966 champions under pressure before Harry Kane finally found a winner.

1. England have now won a match while trailing at half-time at the FIFA World Cup since 1966

Before their 2-1 victory over DR Congo, the Three Lions held an infamous record. They had never won a game in the FIFA World Cup when trailing at halftime since 1966. In nine matches when they trailed at halftime, they lost seven and drew two. However, Thomas Tuchel, a German coach, has helped the English side break the jinx at the global stage.

The last time something like this happened was in 1966, when England returned from behind to defeat West Germany in the final.