Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left concerned by the performance of one England player following Wednesday’s hard-fought 2-1 win over DR Congo.
Thomas Tuchel’s side survived a scare against the African nation at the Atlanta Stadium thanks to their talismanic captain Harry Kane, whose two second-half goals sealed a place in the last 16.
Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a shock 1-0 lead in the seventh minute with a finish that beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post. England were then thwarted on several occasions by Lionel Mpasi, who produced a superb performance in between the sticks.
But with 15 minutes remaining, England were rescued by Kane, one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. The Bayern Munich star secured the victory with a stunning winner in the 86th minute, setting up a daunting last 16 clash against joint-hosts Mexico at their famous fortress, the Azteca Stadium.
Zlatan Saw England Star 'Struggling'
Zlatan IbrahimovicREUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
While Tottenham defender Djed Spence received criticism from fans and pundits alike for his unconvincing display, it was the performance of another England star that concerned former Sweden international Ibrahimovic.
Declan Rice played almost the entire game before he was subbed off in stoppage-time for John Stones. The all-action midfielder had a stint at right-back after Spence was subbed off but Zlatan believes the Arsenal man was “struggling” against DR Congo.
“We can discuss about details and that, but today I saw England suffering physically,” Ibrahimovic said on FOX Sports.
“I didn’t see them run like before, especially Declan Rice. His quality is to run, but it is like he was struggling. Not only him, also the other ones.”
Indeed, Rice was seen icing his left hamstring after the final whistle, suggesting the 27-year-old is not in peak physical condition ahead of England’s toughest test so far, at altitude, on Sunday night.
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Zlatan Questions England Expectation Levels
England players after beating DR CongoReuters/Brett Davis
Zlatan also questioned the expectation levels currently placed on England, who haven’t won the World Cup since 1966.
“If you look at the history books, it was a long time ago that England won the World Cup,” the former Barcelona and Manchester United star said. “Is it a very good team, or a good team? That’s the question here.”
He added: “The fans are always very demanding, expecting a lot, especially the English media... but maybe they think highly about themselves and the reality is something else. You can only prove it in the big tournaments and by winning those trophies.
“Let’s see if Tuchel can do the mission impossible. I do believe the expectations are higher than what they really are.”