ATLANTA, July 1 : England came close to making a premature and shock exit from the World Cup at the hands of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, before Harry Kane rode to the rescue, and manager Thomas Tuchel was proud of how his players refused to accept the defeat staring them in the face.DR Cong

Tuchel's England top Group L, grinding past Panama in a 2-0 win that secured first place and a simpler path in the knockout rounds on paper

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.