England's World Cup campaign teetered on the brink of disaster, with just 15 minutes separating them from a potential humiliation that would have rivalled the infamous Euro 2016 loss to Iceland or the 1950 World Cup upset against the United States. But in a dramatic rescue act, Harry Kane twice found the net, sparking jubilation and securing England's passage to the last-16, where they'll face co-hosts Mexico in the iconic Azteca Stadium.
However, this narrow victory against DR Congo failed to mask the underlying issues that have plagued the team throughout the tournament. Tuchel's side still rely heavily on individual brilliance from Kane and Jude Bellingham – their standout performers in key wins and last-gasp escapes alike. But can the manager continually depend on these duo to bail out underperforming teammates? The likes of Anthony Gordon did make a notable impact off the bench, but others like Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke endured frustrating outings.
And then there's the management of Bukayo Saka's Achilles problem – a conundrum that adds complexity to England's already-fractured attacking arsenal. Tuchel appears hesitant to over-exert his star winger, potentially limiting his impact in crucial moments. Meanwhile, the search for a settled best team continues, with players like Declan Rice being used out of position and defenders switching roles with alarming regularity.
The right-back conundrum has become particularly vexing, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form. Declan Rice's temporary stint at right-back in the DR Congo match drew criticism from Alan Shearer, who reckons it's a role better suited to others, especially against Mexico at altitude. Shearer's sentiment is shared by Micah Richards, who suggests a defensive reshuffle could be on the cards – with Ezri Konsa potentially partnering John Stones and Marc Guehi in defence.
Tuchel's squad selection has also come under fire, particularly when it comes to players with injury histories like Tino Livramento and Reece James. The latter continues to nurse a hamstring problem with no clear return date, while former England defender Micah Richards is adamant that his energy would be better utilised in midfield rather than left on the sidelines.