England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey, but the performance exposed significant issues that Thomas Tuchel must address before the last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were enough to see off a Panama side that failed to score in any of their three group matches, yet England's defence looked shaky and their attack overly reliant on the duo.
Defensive concerns mount as right-back crisis deepens
The most pressing problem is at right-back, where injuries have decimated Tuchel's options. Tino Livramento has already flown home, Reece James is racing to be fit for the last 16, and Jarell Quansah rolled an ankle against Panama. Quansah was moving freely after the match but remains a doubt for the DRC clash. This leaves Tuchel contemplating yet another defensive reshuffle.
Panama created chances despite their goal drought, and sharper attacks would likely punish England's backline. The defence appeared disjointed, and while avoiding Senegal in the next round is a relief, the DRC pose a threat. They held Portugal in their opener, boast Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, and have Newcastle's Yoane Wissa capable of exploiting any defensive lapses.
Bellingham and Kane deliver when it matters
Despite the defensive woes, the burgeoning partnership between Bellingham and Kane offers hope. They combined for a goal from open play for the first time since September 2023, with Bellingham crossing for Kane to head home the second goal. Bellingham had opened the scoring five minutes earlier, volleying home from a corner. The pair have scored five of England's six goals in the tournament, highlighting their importance but also the lack of contributions from other attackers.
Tuchel acknowledged the need for others to step up. "Sometimes, it's just a run from someone else to open the space up for Jude so that he can shine," he said. "They work in units. If you see the chance in the first half where Jude does the run into the box, Nico O'Reilly does this run to just take an opponent out."
Wide players fail to deliver
The performances of England's wide forwards have been underwhelming. Marcus Rashford showed flashes of class after being handed a start against Panama, but his final ball was lacking. Bukayo Saka has two assists but is still building sharpness. Morgan Rogers was ineffective as a No. 10, while Anthony Gordon has struggled when denied space. Eberechi Eze does not seem to have Tuchel's full trust.
Tuchel is not demanding they match the standards of France's array of attacking talent—Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola—but he expects more. "We want these guys in a key moment to show up," Tuchel said. "Nico almost did it against Ghana. Harry did it. Jude did it. I am sure Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Noni, Bukayo will do it when the time is there."
Rashford shows promise but must be clinical
Rashford, who came on as a substitute in the first two group games, started against Panama and was lively. He scored after coming on against Croatia but does not see himself as a supersub. He must be more clinical against the DRC, as England cannot afford to waste chances.
Tuchel's focus remains on the collective rather than individual glory. He was unhappy with the "freestyle" approach in a recent friendly against New Zealand, emphasising the need for patterns and unit play. "No one knows what the other one is thinking," he said. "We want to play more in patterns and more in units. It's not only about patterns, it's about the quality in the pattern."
Optimism tempered by need for improvement
England's victory ensures a winnable tie against the DRC, but Tuchel is too smart to ignore the flaws. The defence must tighten, the midfield needs more energy, and the attack must become less dependent on Bellingham and Kane. The DRC, who held Portugal and have dangerous players like Sadiki and Wissa, will pose a stern test.
For now, England can take heart from their two world-class stars. Bellingham and Kane are the reason for optimism, but as Tuchel knows, a deep run requires more than a double act.
