Atlanta (AFP) – Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham produced the magic to carry England through to the World Cup knockout stages, but questions remain over the balance of Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Issued on: 30/06/2026 - 00:12
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The Three Lions face DR Congo on Wednesday in what they hope will be the first of five games leading to glory.England are heavy favourites for the clash in Atlanta, but face a tough road to the final that could include facing Mexico on home soil, Brazil and Argentina if they are to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament.Former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel was recruited by the English FA to get a team that has lost the past two finals of the European Championship over the line.Evidence from the group stages has left many unconvinced that England have progressed from where they were under Tuchel's predecessor, Gareth Southgate.The German was praised for his attacking substitutions in a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia in England's opening game at the 2026 tournament.But a dull 0-0 stalemate with Ghana followed and England needed moments of inspiration from Bellingham and Kane to break down a stubborn Panama in an unconvincing 2-0 victory as they topped their group."Huge impact," said Tuchel of the influence of Bellingham and Kane, who have five goals between them."That's what we need. That's what we want. That's why we pick them. They make us dangerous. They make us a top team and that's why our expectations are high."Coming into the tournament, there were doubts over whether Bellingham would even be a certain starter following an injury-hit season at Real Madrid.And there have been tensions between player and manager.A year ago the England boss said even his own mother found some of Bellingham's antics "repulsive", though he subsequently apologised for that remark.Already in his fourth major tournament at just 22, Bellingham has silenced any debate over whether he or Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers should start behind Kane after catching the eye in the United States."He's in a sweet spot after his injury, he is free again," said Tuchel. "He loves to play on this kind of stage."Right-back a problem positionWhether the England boss can conjure the best out of the rest of his squad remains uncertain.
