England have suffered a disastrous start in their World Cup round of 32 clash as DR Congo take the lead to embarrass the Three Lions just minutes into the game
England suffered a disastrous start as DR Congo take the lead just minutes in the World Cup round of 32 clash.
The Three Lions entered the clash after topping Group L ahead of Croatia, Ghana and Panama to set up a tie with DR Congo, who qualified as one of the best third-place teams.
On paper, it looked as though England would have to break down the African's defence , consisting of current and former Premier League stars, but the unthinkable happened when Brian Cipenga scored just seven minutes in.
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An attack down the right from DR Congo saw a cross floated in towards the back post where Cipenga, who plays his club football at Spanish second division side UD Almeria.
England's obvious problem at right-back, where Thomas Tuchel decided to take injury prone Tino Livramento and Reece James, who have both inevitably suffered injuries with centre-back Trevoh Chalobah called up to replace the former, were majorly exposed.
Djed Spence found himself dragged central to cover a run into the box, while Noni Madueke failed to track back and Elliot Anderson was caught ball watching in the centre of midfield.
Following the goal, Declan Rice and Harry Kane were seen understandably hammering their team-mates after England's shape was dragged desperately out of position.
England's frustration continued to grow as the Three Lions failed to find their feet after falling behind. Jude Bellingham was booked for a rash tackle and passes are going astray all over the pitch.
The first-half hydration break was greeted by boos by vast numbers of England fans inside the ground as Tuchel attempted to rally his side. England showed a rare 30 seconds of looking competent and with a plan.
Marcus Rashford saw the best, and one of the only chances of the half, blocked on the line by his former Manchester United and England youth international Aaron Wan-Bissaka to deny a certain goal in an even more ironic twist of fate.
DR Congo also plunged England into further chaos when Yoane Wissa hit the post from six yards out when it looked easier to score, failing to double the lead.
Meanwhile, down the other end, Harry Kane saw penalty claims waved away after he was deemed to have dived when he knocked the ball around goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Kane was dramatic with his fall, but contact was made.
However, Kane was the man to save England once again. With 15 minutes to go, the Bayern Munich star headed in the equaliser before he smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the 85th minute to keep the Three Lions in the tournament.