England in the World Cup – conclusions after the group stage

England took first place in Group L of the World Championship, finishing it undefeated and with seven points. However, the national team was not able to fully convince the fans, as the team's play shows both strengths and weaknesses. So what does the situation look like before the knockout round? These are the conclusions of The Athletic's editors after the group stage. 1. What is the biggest issue to solve before the match against DR Congo? **ADAM CRAFTON**: England have always had trouble breaking down opposition defenses. Set pieces help with this, as was the case against Panama, but open play lacks intensity and the team gets too nervous too easily. The cooperation between full-backs and wingers is also not good, and Thomas Tuchel often changes players in these positions. **LIAM THARME**: I think it's about tactics. England have trouble attacking teams that have dropped back. Additionally, there was a problem with the right-back, as Reece James' injury meant that England lost one of their reliable defensive points. **JAY HARRIS**: Wing players have to give more to the team. Marcus Rashford was quite ineffective against Panama, Bukayo Saka also didn't look fully fit and Noni Madueke has yet to show his full potential. **OLIVER KAY**: England look like a team that's not entirely cohesive. Everything seems uncertain in defense, there is a lack of creativity in midfield and the team itself is struggling with possession of the ball. **NICK MILLER**: I think this is a problem that won't be solved anytime soon. But I would like to see more movement on the wings, more risks and attempts to cross into the penalty area. **JACK PITT-BROOKE**: Why are England so easily surprised on counter-attacks? Both Ghana and Panama could have scored more goals, and this does not bode well for matches against better opponents. Tuchel needs to work on his defense because it looks weak. 2. Who made the greatest impression in the group stage? **ADAM CRAFTON**: Jude Bellingham dispels any doubts about his fitness. He was a key player in every match. Harry Kane also showed good form. Marcus Rashford also played a good match against Panama. **LIAM THARME**: I agree about Bellingham, but I would like to point out Elliot Anderson, who showed a very good performance and proved that he is reliable. **JAY HARRIS**: Bellingham and Anderson, and I would also add Rashford. **OLIVER KAY**: Bellingham was by far England's best player, but Anderson also had a good performance. **NICK MILLER**: Bellingham is undoubtedly England's key player, but I also appreciate that Anderson has been able to adapt to a different role in the team. **JACK PITT-BROOKE**: Bellingham was fantastic, but Anderson also showed he has the potential to be an important player in the national team.  3. Which two wingers should Tuchel field in the match against DR Congo? **ADAM CRAFTON**: Rashford should be a certainty, but on the other flank there is a bigger unknown. Saka hasn't looked fully healthy, and Madueke hasn't shown anything that makes him stand out yet. Maybe try Rogers on the right? **LIAM THARME**: I guess it depends on the opponent. Gordon was better in the match against Croatia, where it was a must-haveplayers ready for quick attacks. Saka, on the other hand, does not look like a player in good form, so maybe it would be better to play Gordon on the right side. **JAY HARRIS**: I would give Saka a chance, hoping that she will finally show her best form. **OLIVER KAY**: Rashford is in good shape and should play, but Saka is a big unknown for me. I'd like him to play, but I'm not sure if he should. **NICK MILLER**: Rashford for sure, and I'd like Rogers to play on the other flank. **JACK PITT-BROOKE**: Rashford should be a sure bet, and on the other flank I'd like him to play Saka, but I'm not sure if he's fit enough. Maybe it would be better to field Madueke. 4. How far will England go in the World Cup? **ADAM CRAFTON**: What worries me is that key players like Saka and Rice are not at their best. I am afraid that England may have problems already in the 1/8 finals against rivals such as Mexico or Ecuador. **LIAM THARME**: I think they'll make it to the semi-finals. Brazil is waiting for the quarterfinals, and it will be a very difficult match. **JAY HARRIS**: I think they will at least make it to the semi-finals. **OLIVER KAY**: They will have an easy path to the semi-finals, but I am afraid that in the semi-finals they will encounter a strong rival and then it will be difficult for them. **NICK MILLER**: I think the quarter-final is the max, they will have a difficult match against Brazil. **JACK PITT-BROOKE**: I think they will reach the semi-finals, but they will have to face Ecuador in the round of 16 and that could be a difficult match. --- ## Related Articles 1. [World Cup 2026](https://azkalsgoal.com/fil/news/miroslav-koubek-nagbitiw-bilang-head-coach-ng-czechia-matapos-ang-maagang-pag-alis-sa-world-cup) 2. [2026 World Cup](https://azzurrigoal.com/it/news/annunciato-il-ranking-dei-migliori-calciatori-del-gruppo-nel-mondiale-2026-secondo-the-athletic)