England survive scare against DR Congo but must improve for Mexico City test
Quick summary
England narrowly avoided defeat against DR Congo in a pre-World Cup friendly but face a sterner test against Mexico in Mexico City.
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Attributed to original sourceIt was an almost Iceland in Atlanta but Thomas Tuchel will have to get it right from the start in the cauldron of Azteca
It was looking bleak out there. Ten years on, it was looking like Iceland all over again. The clock was ticking and the panic was rising. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), so impressive during that early surge at a disbelieving Atlanta Stadium, were starting to dream and England were about to become the punchline in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
The obituaries were written, the calls for root-and-branch reform sure to follow. Nothing was going England’s way. Harry Kane, his hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or fading before his eyes, had a penalty claim waved away by the Jordanian referee. Lionel Mpasi, if not the best Lionel to play in a World Cup, was certainly looking a sure bet to win superior player of the match. The DRC goalkeeper was in astonishing form, making saves like Poland’s Jan Tomaszewski at Wembley in 1973, and with time running out during the second half it seemed an increasingly frantic England had run out of ideas against the dreaded low block.
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What happened
England managed to avoid an embarrassing result against DR Congo, but the performance raised concerns about their readiness. The article highlights that England must significantly improve their display when they travel to face Mexico in Mexico City. The match against DR Congo served as a warning ahead of tougher opposition, with Jacob Steinberg suggesting the team showed vulnerabilities that need addressing before the World Cup.
Chance analysis
England's narrow escape against a lower-ranked opponent signals potential weaknesses heading into the World Cup. The upcoming Mexico fixture represents a more meaningful test against CONCACAF opposition on home soil, which historically challenges European sides. For prediction systems, this suggests England may not be in peak form, and Mexico — playing at altitude in Mexico City — could be a tricky opponent even in a friendly context.
England face scrutiny and pressure to improve, while Mexico gain confidence as they host a vulnerable-looking England side at altitude.
England's unconvincing win over DR Congo suggests they may be underprepared, giving Mexico a credible chance in the upcoming Mexico City friendly.