England rescued a win against a defiant DR Congo outfit, winning by two goals to one after going behind early on in the encounter. It was a thrilling game – perhaps one that many England fans watched from between their fingers, but there were plenty of opportunities at both ends of the pitch.
Despite struggling in the first half, England began to create plenty of chances late on – it was only a matter of time before the Three Lions finally breached DR Congo’s goal.
It was certainly a nervy one, though. Plenty of England players underperformed on the day, including Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, both of whom failed to impose a serious threat on their overmatched opposition. Thankfully, they were bailed out deep into the second half.
But who was England’s best player on the day? Who scored for both them and DR Congo? Crucially, what were the player ratings? Let’s have a look.
Who was the man of the match?
For our official man of the match, we have to give it the DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi. Making some stunning saves throughout the contest, he kept his team alive despite some heavy pressure from England. Yes, he was beaten twice late on, but he have to commend him for a stouthearted display between the sticks.
He perhaps should have conceded a penalty at one point, when he rushed out of area and brought down Harry Kane, but the referee showed no interest in England’s protestations.
We’ll also lend some praise to Anthony Gordon. The former Newcastle United man had to endure some criticism earlier on in the tournament, but he brushed off all of his naysayers with a fabulous display from the bench.
Who scored for England?
Harry Kane scored both of England’s goals in their dramatic come-from-behind win. Meeting Gordon’s floated cross for the first with an excellently-timed header, he then slammed the ball home from an awkward angle to complete the comeback. He was quiet in the first half, but characteristically burst into life during the second.
The England captain is perhaps the greatest centre-forward that the Three Lions have ever had – if anyone can be relied upon, it’s him.
Who scored for DR Congo?
Brian Cipenga stunned the England fans into silence when he struck home in the opening ten minutes. Getting the better of Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa, he caught out Jordan Pickford at his near post to give DR Congo the lead.
England would eventually battle back, but he remained a constant thorn in the side of their backline throughout the 90 minutes.
England player ratings vs DR Congo
GK: Jordan Pickford – 5
RB: Djed Spence
CB: Ezri Konsa – 5
CB: Marc Guehi -7
LB: Nico O’Reilly – 5
CM: Elliot Anderson – 3
CM: Declan Rice – 7
RW: Noni Madueke – 6
AM: Jude Bellingham – 4
LW: Marcus Rashford – 3
ST: Harry Kane – 8
SUB 1: Bukayo Saka – 4
SUB 2: Anthony Gordon – 8
SUB 3: Eberechi Eze – 6
SUB 4: John Stones – N/A