England Recycles Possession After 13 Minutes as DR Congo Presses for World Cup Upset
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 1
England Recycles Possession After 13 Minutes as DR Congo Presses for World Cup Upset
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 1
Summary
13 minutes in, England slowed the game with sterile midfield possession as they tried to regain control and composure against DR Congo.
That reset suggested England were struggling to progress the ball and create openings, a weakness DR Congo had targeted before the last-32 tie.
England entered the knockout match in Atlanta with defensive concerns after injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah complicated Thomas Tuchel’s options.
DR Congo had openly framed the game as an upset chance, pointing to England’s difficulty breaking down organized defenses after Ghana exposed vulnerabilities in the group stage.