Ed Aarons at Atalanta Stadium 

England 2-1 DR Congo: World Cup last 32 player ratings

Anthony Gordon showed why he is joining Barcelona but a brilliant Lionel Mpasi in goal could not stop Harry Kane
  
  

England players celebrate.
Harry Kane is mobbed by his England teammates. Photograph: Steph Chambers/FIFA/Getty Images

England

Jordan Pickford Got a hand to Cipenga’s strike but could have done better. Will be relieved that England rescued themselves. 5

Djed Spence Must take some blame for the goal and general confusion in defence. Offered occasional threat in attack. 4

Ezri Konsa Had a nightmare afternoon. Caught out for the opening goal, always looked panicked in possession. 4

Marc Guéhi The only England defender who seems comfortable on the ball. Time for a new partner? 7

Nico O’Reilly Made far too many basic mistakes, not a defender. His future must be further up the pitch. 5

Elliot Anderson Often found himself outnumbered in midfield but found his rhythm and came close to scoring. 7

Declan Rice Struggled to impose himself on proceedings until moving to right-back. Poor delivery from set pieces. 5

Noni Madueke Lacked end product when it matters despite promising moments. Was a spectator for opening goal. 5

Jude Bellingham Will still be wondering how he didn’t score after having three efforts saved. But played his part in comeback. 8

Marcus Rashford Summed up England’s awful start by miscontrolling ball out of play. Last contribution was a terrible cross. 3

Harry Kane England’s saviour yet again. Where would Thomas Tuchel be without his captain? Probably out of a job. 9

Subs: Bukayo Saka (for Madueke 60) A slow start but looked dangerous with a couple of runs. Has to start against Mexico. 7; Anthony Gordon (for Rashford 60) Two assists off the bench showed why he is joining Barcelona next season. 9; Eberechi Eze (for Spence 70) Exerted his influence as England chased the game. 7; John Stones (for Rice 90) Late sub as England saw out win. 6

DR Congo

Lionel Mpasi Three brilliant saves in first half and another from Bellingham. But will be disappointed not to have stopped Kane’s first. 8

Aaron Wan-Bissaka The Croydon-born right back produced a brilliant goal-line clearance and was dangerous in attack. 8

Axel Tuanzebe Rashford’s old school friend was a towering presence in the heart of DR Congo’s defence and made some key blocks. 7

Chancel Mbemba Brilliant pass to set up Cipenga’s goal and kept Kane quiet for most of the game. But not long enough. 6

Arthur Masuaku Former West Ham defender kept Madueke relatively quiet but struggled against Saka when he came on. 6

Nathanaël Mbuku A lively presence down the right flank. He almost scored just before being taken off. 7

Ngal’ayel Mukau More than played his part in DRC’s physical approach. The Lille midfielder looks to have a bright future. 8

Interactive

Samuel Moutoussamy The powerhouse with a distinctive haircut was a formidable obstacle, although tired in the second half. 7

Noah Sadiki The Sunderland midfielder was everywhere. No wonder all the big clubs in the Premier League have been looking at him. 8

Brian Cipenga What a performance. Took his goal brilliantly and just about landed the back-flip celebration. 8

Yoane Wissa Had a golden chance to make it 2-0 in the first half but couldn’t take it. Proved to be a pivotal moment. 6

Subs: Meschack Elia (for Mbuku 64) Showed raw pace in first duel with O’Reilly. 6; Théo Bongonda (for Cipenga 75) Little impact after replacing goalscorer. 5; Edo Kayembe (for Mukua 75) Tried to inject some energy into tired legs. 5; Joris Kayembe (for Moutoussamy 89) Came on as DRC chased the game. 5; Fiston Mayele (for Masuaku 89) A late attacking substitute. 6

 

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