Celebration Turns Sour for England Midfielder

England midfielder Jordan Henderson sustained a significant wrist injury during celebrations following his side’s dramatic World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico. The incident occurred at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium after England secured a 3-2 win. Manager Thomas Tuchel described the injury as “really bad” and “quite serious,” confirming that Henderson was taken to hospital.

The injury happened as players celebrated their triumph. Henderson reportedly fell awkwardly from the advertising hoardings. He was subsequently pictured leaving the pitch on a stretcher, requiring immediate medical attention. Medical staff were seen rushing to his vicinity shortly after the final whistle, and he was given oxygen before being transported from the stadium.

The 36-year-old midfielder, who plays for Brentford, did not feature in the match against Mexico but joined his teammates on the pitch for the post-match celebrations. His participation in the tournament has been limited, with his sole appearance being a six-minute stint at the end of England’s Group L win over Panama. He had also received a booking during a confrontation on the sidelines in a fractious game.

Impact on England’s World Cup Campaign

Thomas Tuchel expressed mixed feelings after the victory, stating, “Jordan just fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad. It’s a quite serious injury and it doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us. The doctor told me he is in hospital.” Henderson is being accompanied by a member of England’s support staff and did not travel back with the team on Monday.

The injury casts a shadow over England’s memorable victory, which saw them overcome adversity. England beat Mexico with two goals from Jude Bellingham and a penalty from Harry Kane. The team had to contend with playing reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah received a straight red card early in the second half for catching Jesús Gallardoan with his studs.

Tuchel praised his team’s fighting spirit, noting, “We needed everything. It was super difficult. In the moments we thought we could catch the momentum, we had setbacks. That is proper mentality. This team really mean it. When the going gets tough, they never give up, they never lose belief. It was one step more.” He added, “I have no words, an iconic match in an iconic stadium and we overcame so much adversity today.”

England’s victory ended Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record at the Estadio Azteca and secured their place in their 11th World Cup quarter-final. The team will now face Norway in a quarter-final tie in Miami. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST.

Henderson’s injury means he is likely to join Reece James on the sidelines, who picked up a hamstring injury in England’s opening match. Additionally, Jarell Quansah is unavailable for the upcoming match after his red card during the victory over Mexico.

Jude Bellingham commented on the situation, stating, “He’s in a bit of bother but our medical team have got everything under control probably. Best not to give too much detail when I don’t know too much what is going on. Everyone was there to support him and even that was a beautiful thing to see.” The team’s next fixture is against Norway in Miami on Saturday.

Source: bbc.com

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Kane’s Impactful Performance

England secured their progression to the last 16 of the World Cup after a challenging match against DR Congo. The team faced difficulties, with DR Congo initially appearing poised for an upset after scoring against Jordan Pickford. Historically, England has not won a knockout game when trailing since their 1966 World Cup victory against West Germany.

However, Harry Kane played a pivotal role in turning the tide. His first goal came after Declan Rice moved to right-back, a position where England seemed vulnerable following the decision to exclude Trent Alexander-Arnold. Rice passed to substitute Anthony Gordon, who delivered a ball for Kane to head home. This goal demonstrated sufficient power to beat a goalkeeper who had previously appeared impenetrable.

The second goal from Kane proved to be the decisive moment. He again received the ball from Gordon, took a first touch to bypass defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot that was reportedly unsaveable. DR Congo‘s coach acknowledged that it took the world’s best striker to defeat their team.

Gordon Praises Kane Amid Transfer Speculation

Anthony Gordon, who recently joined Barcelona from Newcastle, provided two assists for Harry Kane during the match against DR Congo. Following the game, Gordon spoke highly of Kane, drawing comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.

Gordon described being around Kane as an amazing experience, noting that Kane operates at the very top tier of football. He highlighted Kane‘s current season as one that has only been surpassed by Messi, underscoring the high level of performance Kane consistently delivers. Gordon emphasized that Kane‘s excellence is not accidental but a result of consistent effort, passion, and seriousness in every training drill and game.

Regarding Kane‘s second goal, Gordon stated that he knew it was going in as soon as it was struck, indicating immediate celebration. He further explained that while any player at that level can score a good goal, Kane‘s distinction lies in his phenomenal consistency in both training and matches.

There has been speculation surrounding Kane‘s future, with Barcelona reportedly making inquiries about the striker during the World Cup. Kane‘s contract is set to expire next year. However, reports suggest that Kane is expected to remain with Bayern and sign a new contract, with Barcelona reportedly shifting their focus to Julian Alvarez.

Other Matchday Highlights and VAR Controversies

In other World Cup action, Belgium staged a notable comeback, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to score the latest goal in World Cup extra-time history in the 125th minute from a penalty. This penalty decision is expected to generate significant discussion. Belgium had been the dominant team for much of the match and may feel that footballing fortune did not favor them, drawing parallels to the AFCON final.

The United States also secured a 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina despite receiving a red card. The match was tense at 1-0 until Tillman scored with a free-kick to solidify the win for the US.

The role of VAR has come under scrutiny, with several controversial incidents. One such incident involved Harry Kane being denied a penalty, which a VAR review from one outlet suggested was a clear penalty. Additionally, the penalty awarded to Belgium in the 125th minute raised questions, as initial contact appeared to be outside the box. Furthermore, Balogun‘s red card was considered odd, with the referee initially not issuing a red card during live play before reviewing a tackle that was described as accidental or reckless rather than violent. The slow-motion replay reportedly made the tackle appear worse, and FIFA regulations dictated that a yellow card could not be issued once the foul went to VAR and the on-field referee reviewed it.

Looking ahead, England is scheduled to face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca stadium.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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England’s Comeback in Atlanta

England secured a spot in the World Cup round of 16 after a challenging match against DR Congo in Atlanta. The team overcame a scare, coming from behind to win 2-1 on Wednesday night, July 1, 2026. Despite the loss, DR Congo earned recognition for their performance against one of the tournament favorites.

Against pre-match expectations, DR Congo took an early lead. A cross from the right found Brian Cipenga unmarked at the far post. He settled the ball and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner, beating Jordan Pickford at his near post and giving his team the advantage.

England created their first significant opportunity around the half-hour mark when Declan Rice delivered a cross that Jude Bellingham headed towards the top-right corner. However, Lionel Mpasi made a one-handed save, pushing the ball away. Moments later, Noni Madueke set up Marcus Rashford, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

During a hydration break, Thomas Tuchel attempted to calm his players, but Mpasi continued to be a formidable presence in goal, making several saves to maintain DR Congo‘s lead. Just before halftime, Wan-Bissaka delivered a cross to the near post, where Yoane Wissa‘s first-time shot hit the base of the post.

England then had a penalty appeal denied when Harry Kane went down in the box under contact from Mpasi. Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away the appeal, judging that Kane had exaggerated the fall, a decision upheld by VAR despite protests from England.

Kane’s Decisive Performance

As the second half progressed, England continued to create chances but struggled to convert them, with Mpasi holding firm. Tuchel grew increasingly agitated on the sideline. Eventually, DR Congo‘s defense was breached in the 75th minute when Kane met Anthony Gordon‘s floated cross with a header that beat Mpasi.

England‘s captain then scored the decisive goal with less than five minutes remaining in regulation time. He took a touch to move the ball away from Axel Tuanzebe before unleashing a right-footed shot that found the roof of the net, securing the comeback victory for England.

The relief among England‘s players and fans was evident at the final whistle. Kane‘s two goals were crucial in turning a potential defeat into a victory, saving what some described as a moment of generational trauma for England football. His performance was seen as not only saving Tuchel‘s job but also his reputation.

Kane now has five goals in this World Cup and 84 for England. His career has been marked by a deep will to reach high levels. The winning strike, 85 minutes into a frustrating game, highlighted his connection with the ball.

Looking Ahead for England

The match in Atlanta was played under challenging conditions, with the city experiencing significant heat. However, the air inside the stadium dome was cool and breezy. Despite the victory, England‘s performance in the early stages of the game showed some tactical imbalances and a lack of cohesion.

The right side of England‘s formation, with Djed Spence and Noni Madueke, struggled initially. Spence‘s positioning contributed to DR Congo‘s opening goal, leaving space that Brian Cipenga exploited. There were observations that England lacked a dedicated defensive midfielder to track runs effectively.

For long periods, DR Congo‘s tactical discipline exposed what was described as England‘s ragged naivety. Bellingham‘s extensive movement sometimes left DR Congo with an extra man in midfield. Despite these challenges, England showed spirit to turn the game around.

England will now face Mexico in Mexico City in the round of 16.

Source: thehindu.com

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England captain Harry Kane secured his team’s progression to the World Cup last 16 with two goals against DR Congo. The striker’s 75th and 86th-minute efforts saw the Three Lions come from behind to win the match. This performance has placed Kane in discussions for the Ballon D’Or, alongside other notable players like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Vinicius Jr.

The match saw England concede the opening goal, marking the sixth consecutive knockout match at a major tournament where they have fallen behind early. Despite this, the team managed to secure a 2-1 victory. Coach Thomas Tuchel praised the team’s resilience, likening their comeback to “knocking at a rock until it breaks.”

Kane’s pivotal performance

Harry Kane’s two goals were crucial in turning the game around for England. His second goal, struck from just inside the box, caught the goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi by surprise. This performance brought his World Cup goal tally to 13, surpassing Pelé in the all-time charts. According to Tuchel, Kane is a player who decides difficult and close matches.

Despite being relatively quiet for much of the game, with only five touches in the first 35 minutes, Kane delivered when it mattered. His ability to score with limited involvement has been compared to Erling Haaland’s style of play. Kane, at 33, is demonstrating that he continues to perform at a high level, feeling as good as he ever has.

Anthony Gordon contributed two assists after coming off the bench, and Jude Bellingham’s running helped maintain the attacking momentum. Declan Rice also played a role at right-back. However, Kane’s match-winning ability was highlighted as a unique asset to the team.

Team resilience and future challenges

Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that England’s aggressive pressing in the initial stages allowed DR Congo to exploit spaces and take an early lead. He noted that the team was “too aggressive, especially on the left side and sometimes ended up outnumbered in midfield.” Adjustments were made, leading to a more patient and intelligent press, which began to create chances.

The coach felt a shift in momentum after the first-half hydration break, despite his general dislike for such interruptions. He commended the players for staying calm and absorbing the messages during the break. DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was described as “out of this world” for repeatedly denying England’s chances until Kane’s equaliser.

England’s comeback from a goal down in a World Cup knockout match reflects the developing character within the squad. Tuchel stated that the players “didn’t accept defeat as an outcome” and showed up when the going got tough, trusting their spirit and bringing the right energy.

The team is now set to travel to Mexico City to face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the round of 16. Tuchel admitted that the altitude would be a significant disadvantage, stating, “You can’t adjust to that in four days, but we have to be ready.” He also humorously described elite forwards like Kane, Mbappé, Haaland, and Messi as “sharks” who score when they “smell blood.”

Kane’s two strikes against DR Congo contributed to what has been described as a phenomenal season.

Source: skysports.com

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Ben Stokes’ international career for England concluded with a series defeat against New Zealand, who secured a 2-1 victory in the third and deciding Test at Trent Bridge. The final day saw New Zealand wrap up a 160-run win, marking a challenging end for the all-rounder.

The announcement of Stokes’ retirement on Sunday, indicating this Test would be his last, preceded England’s loss. The team had slumped to 103 for four by the close of day four, chasing a target of 373 runs. The prospect of a prolonged fight on Monday was diminished early in the day’s play.

During the fourth over of the final day, Emilio Gay was dismissed, and crucially, Joe Root was run out by a direct hit from Henry Nicholls. This early setback further complicated England’s chase. Despite these challenges, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson formed a partnership, contributing to a 75-run stand before Atkinson was out just before lunch.

Smith achieved his second half-century in 11 months, but Josh Tongue also fell victim to a direct hit, this time from Mitchell Santner. Ultimately, Smith was caught at long-off, leading to England’s dismissal for 212 runs. This result confirmed New Zealand’s series victory, their fourth in England.

New Zealand’s Historic Series Win

New Zealand’s triumph marks a significant achievement, especially considering they were heavily affected by injuries. This series win is only their fourth on English soil, with previous victories occurring in 1986, 1999, and 2021. The 2021 series was a two-match contest. This current victory makes them the first touring team to win a series of three or more Tests in England in 14 years.

The Black Caps demonstrated disciplined and effective Test cricket throughout the series, outperforming the home side. Their electric fielding on the final day was particularly notable. Despite playing against a weakened England side in the second Test, New Zealand themselves faced significant depletion in the third Test. They also benefited from winning an important toss and maintaining the advantage established by a 317-run opening stand between Tom Latham and Devon Conway.

Various players contributed significantly to New Zealand’s success across the series. These included Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell with the bat, Matt Henry with the ball, and Tom Blundell behind the stumps. This series win for New Zealand effectively concludes an era that began with Stokes’ first series in charge, which saw the emergence of ‘Bazball’.

England’s Post-Stokes Era and Challenges Ahead

For Ben Stokes, his four-year captaincy reign concludes with his first home series defeat, and his 15-year international career ends with England facing considerable challenges. This loss represents England’s seventh defeat in their last nine Tests and extends a period without a series win stretching back to 2024. The team now faces a period of uncertainty, without a captain and contemplating a future without one of their most influential players.

The initial optimism following England’s victory over New Zealand in the first Test has dissipated. The return of Ollie Robinson three weeks prior had offered hope for a turnaround, but the team’s performance has since faltered. An incident involving Stokes and Atkinson, initially a nightclub controversy, escalated into a second-string England side being heavily defeated in the second Test.

Stokes’ return had suggested a return to normalcy, until his unexpected announcement on Sunday, which was described as one of the most extraordinary days in English cricket history. This situation leaves England in need of a new captain for their next Test against Pakistan in August. Potential candidates include Harry Brook, and possibly Joe Root.

The team will also need to adapt to playing without Stokes’ all-round abilities, which provided both balance and inspiration. With the next Ashes series approximately a year away, the 10 Tests leading up to it are anticipated to be challenging. The current situation places pressure on the leadership team, including head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, as well as England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson.

In a congested calendar, England is scheduled to begin a white-ball series against India on Wednesday.

Source: bbc.com

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Stokes’ Farewell Test and New Zealand’s Dominance

The third men’s Test match at Trent Bridge is marking the final international appearance for Ben Stokes, a player known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. His departure from international cricket concludes a career spanning 15 years, during which he built a reputation as a fierce competitor and inspirational leader.

As the match progressed, New Zealand demonstrated strong play, securing three wickets during the morning session of day five. This performance has positioned them favorably towards achieving victory in the Test.

The morning session saw Emilio Gay edge behind and Joe Root brilliantly run out by Henry Nicholls. Despite these setbacks, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson formed a partnership, adding over 60 runs together, providing a brief period of solace for England.

Atkinson’s innings concluded when Mitchell Santner struck him on the back leg, leading to his dismissal. This marked the end of a partnership where Atkinson had faced over 150 balls with the bat in this Test.

Key Moments and Player Performances

Ben Sears of New Zealand continued to bowl despite reportedly having a broken index finger on his bowling hand, showcasing determination. The team also faced challenges with injuries, as Will O’Rourke had to leave the field due to a left hamstring issue, reducing their bowling options.

Stokes’ career has been highlighted by several memorable performances. In 2013, he scored his maiden Test century against Australia in Perth, a crucial 120 runs that came in only his second Test appearance. This innings, achieved on a challenging batting surface, saw him form significant partnerships with Ian Bell and Matt Prior.

Another notable moment was his spell of 3/26 against New Zealand in Delhi during the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final. His disciplined bowling, including 11 dot balls, was instrumental in restricting a strong batting lineup and helping England reach the final.

At Lord’s in 2017, Stokes delivered his finest Test bowling performance, taking 6/22 against the West Indies. This spell, which included dismantling the lower order, earned him a place on both the batting and bowling honours boards at the venue.

Impact and Legacy

Stokes’ influence was also evident in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final against New Zealand at Lord’s. His unbeaten 84 runs, combined with a crucial partnership with Jos Buttler, helped England secure their maiden World Cup title. The match famously went to a Super Over, where Stokes again played a vital role.

Later in 2019, he produced an extraordinary innings of 135 runs against Australia at Headingley. This performance, coming shortly after the World Cup victory, was critical in keeping the Ashes series alive for England, as he single-handedly guided his team to an improbable win.

As Stokes concludes his international career, discussions have emerged regarding his successor as captain. Names like Ollie Pope and Haseeb Hameed have been mentioned as potential candidates, though some consider these options unlikely. The challenge of replacing such a significant figure is a key topic of conversation.

The crowd at Trent Bridge offered Stokes an ovation, with a montage playing on the big screen, acknowledging his contributions to the sport as his final Test match unfolds.

The match continues to be a closely watched event, with fans anticipating the final outcome as New Zealand maintains pressure on England.

The current state of play indicates a challenging situation for England, as they are six wickets down, with New Zealand pushing for a decisive victory.

Source: theguardian.com

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Gavaskar’s call for Sooryavanshi’s debut

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly advocated for the inclusion of young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in India’s playing XI for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. Gavaskar believes Sooryavanshi should play from the first match, which is scheduled for July 1. This recommendation follows India’s recent 0-2 series whitewash against Ireland, where several key batters struggled.

Gavaskar emphasised that giving the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi his India debut in England is now non-negotiable, especially after the team’s performance in Ireland. He pointed out that players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan faced difficulties with the bat during the Ireland series. Shreyas Iyer, who captained the side, managed to score 13 runs across two games, a tally matched by Ishan Kishan. Opener Sanju Samson also had a challenging series.

The former batter criticised India’s team management for not giving Sooryavanshi an opportunity in Ireland, suggesting it was an ideal chance to try out the in-form player. Gavaskar had previously stated that Sooryavanshi, given his form, should have played both matches in Ireland. He suggested that Sooryavanshi could have opened with Abhishek Sharma in one game, or batted lower down the order in another, to accommodate other players.

Debate over team selection

The decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throughout the Ireland series has led to differing opinions among former players. While Gavaskar, along with Mohammed Kaif and Manoj Tiwary, supports Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, former India spinner R Ashwin has backed the team management’s approach.

Gavaskar believes that with India’s batting line-up appearing uncertain after the Ireland results, bringing in the explosive Sooryavanshi is essential to challenge the England bowlers. He asserted that India must accommodate Sooryavanshi, even if it means adjusting the batting order. Gavaskar suggested that Sooryavanshi could either open or bat at number three, but stressed his presence in the first match against England is crucial.

Mohammed Kaif echoed Gavaskar’s sentiments, questioning the consistency of the selection logic. He highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s name should have been in the best XI, especially given his recent form. Kaif pointed out inconsistencies in past selection decisions, such as the removal of Rohit Sharma as captain and the dropping of Suryakumar Yadav, both World Cup-winning captains, under the premise of looking for younger players.

Manoj Tiwary further criticised the coaching staff, accusing them of adhering to preconceived notions rather than considering current form. He argued that players who performed well in the T20 World Cup, which occurred before the IPL, were prioritised over in-form players like Sooryavanshi. Tiwary also noted that the team’s reliance on part-time bowlers had not met expectations, indicating a lack of consistency in decision-making.

Sooryavanshi’s form and future

Sooryavanshi’s strong form leading up to the Ireland series was highlighted by his performance in the IPL 2026, where he won the Orange Cap and the MVP award. He also had a successful stint with India A in Sri Lanka, concluding with a score of 94 runs off 29 balls in the final in Dambulla, which included an 11-ball fifty. This demonstrates that his claim for a spot is based on consistent performance rather than just potential.

Conversely, R Ashwin argued that there is currently no room for Sooryavanshi in the current XI. He suggested that if Sooryavanshi were to play, he should be sent on the Zimbabwe tour, where the incumbent openers might not be present. Ashwin noted that players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are not part of the Test or ODI teams, and therefore need the T20 format to maintain their relevance within the team structure. He concluded that while Sooryavanshi deserves a place on merit, it should not come at the expense of the current openers, unless there is a loss of form or an injury.

The upcoming series against England, starting on July 1, will present a more challenging environment than the Ireland series. The decision regarding Sooryavanshi’s inclusion will be a key point of discussion for the team management as they prepare for the matches.

Source: m.rediff.com

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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) achieved their first-ever World Cup victory, defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta. This historic win secures their place in the round of 32, where they are scheduled to face England. Yoane Wissa was a pivotal player, scoring two goals, while Fiston Mayele added another to complete the comeback.

The match saw Uzbekistan take an early lead through captain Eldor Shomurodov. His goal came after an earlier effort was disallowed for offside in the opening minute. Shomurodov capitalised on a defensive error, lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to put his side ahead.

DR Congo, needing a win to advance, responded with determination. An equaliser from Nathan Mbuku was initially celebrated but subsequently ruled out by VAR due to a foul in the build-up, where his arm made contact with Sherzod Nasrullaev‘s face.

Wissa’s Impact and Comeback

Yoane Wissa, a forward for Newcastle, became the central figure in DR Congo’s turnaround. He was fouled in the box by Abdukodir Khusanov, leading to a penalty. Wissa calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way to level the score.

This penalty marked Wissa‘s second goal of the tournament. His earlier goal came during DR Congo’s draw with Portugal on matchday one. His performance in this match was crucial for the team’s progression.

Shortly after Wissa‘s equaliser, substitute Fiston Mayele put DR Congo in front for the first time. His goal came from a deflected shot by Meschack Elia, allowing Mayele to tap the ball into the net. The atmosphere in the stadium, largely filled with Congolese supporters, erupted following this goal.

Wissa then sealed the victory with his second goal of the match and third of the tournament, curling a shot from the edge of the area into the far corner during stoppage time. This secured DR Congo’s 3-1 triumph and their advancement to the knockout stages.

Looking Ahead to the Round of 32

The victory ensures DR Congo finished third in Group K, marking their first-ever progression to the knockout rounds of a World Cup. Their next challenge will be against England in the round of 32, with the match scheduled to take place on Wednesday at the same venue in Atlanta.

DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match. He stated that preparations would begin immediately, noting that some players in the squad have experience in the English league, which could be beneficial. Desabre praised his players, highlighting their ability to respond effectively after conceding a goal and their persistent determination.

Uzbekistan‘s coach, Fabio Cannavaro, reflected on his team’s performance, particularly their strong first half. He expressed concerns about the energy expended and the consequences of small mistakes at this level. Despite the loss, Cannavaro expressed pride in his players’ effort and viewed their participation in the World Cup as a valuable experience.

The progress of DR Congo continues a strong showing for African teams in the tournament. With only Tunisia eliminated among the ten African nations, eight have already advanced to the last 32, with Algeria potentially joining them in their final group matches.

Yoane Wissa‘s exceptional performance earned him the player of the match award, with an average rating of 9.20. Other notable performances for DR Congo included Fiston Mayele with an average rating of 9.00 and Joris Kayembe with 8.50.

Source: skysports.com

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England’s decisive victory

England defeated Panama 2-0 in their final Group L match, securing the top position in the group. The goals came in the second half, with Jude Bellingham opening the scoring and Harry Kane adding the second. This victory ensures England’s progression to the knockout round of the World Cup 2026.

The match, played in rainy East Rutherford, N.J., saw England maintain a clean sheet. Jordan Pickford, England’s goalkeeper, made two saves to deny Panama any goals. Panama’s goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera, was credited with four saves during the game.

Panama, having lost all their group matches, was eliminated from the tournament before the game commenced. This result marks their sixth consecutive loss across two World Cups.

Key moments and player performances

The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with limited scoring opportunities for both sides. Panama’s best chance came in the 27th minute when Jose Luis Rodriguez had a shot on goal, which Pickford saved. England, despite having more possession, could not convert their chances, including a free kick in first-half stoppage time where Marcus Rashford’s attempt went wide.

The deadlock was broken in the 62nd minute. Following a brief delay due to a yellow card shown to defender Jarell Quansah, England earned a corner kick. Bukayo Saka’s delivery from the corner found Bellingham, who tapped the ball into the net with his left foot. Mosquera was unable to make a save.

Just five minutes later, Bellingham provided an assist to Kane. From the left side of the box, Bellingham crossed the ball, and Kane connected with a header to the near post, extending England’s lead. This goal was significant for Kane, as it made him England’s leading goal-scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Gary Lineker with his 11th tally.

Panama continued to press in the final 20 minutes but struggled with accuracy. Ismael Diaz missed a shot wide right in the 90th minute. During stoppage time, Jose Fajardo scored, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.

Player ratings and team dynamics

Several England players contributed to the win. Jordan Pickford made a good save from Rodriguez’s effort in the first half. Jarell Quansah, making his first World Cup start at right-back, was solid defensively but left the game in the second half due to an ankle injury. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi also played roles in the defence, making recovery runs as Panama pressed.

In midfield, Nico O’Reilly’s ability to move into midfield was crucial, and he posed a threat in the air. Elliot Anderson, as the starting number six, kept the ball moving and injected pace into England’s attacks. Jude Bellingham, playing in a deeper role, was heavily involved, scoring the first goal and assisting the second. Bukayo Saka was a constant threat on the wing, with his corner deliveries proving effective.

Morgan Rogers made his first start, showing tidiness in tight spaces. Marcus Rashford had a good effort in the first half, forcing a save from the goalkeeper. Harry Kane, despite limited touches in the first half, became more involved as the game progressed and scored England’s second goal.

Substitutions in the second half included Djed Spence replacing the injured Quansah, Noni Madueke coming on for Saka, and Eberechi Eze replacing Bellingham. Ollie Watkins and Jordan Henderson were also brought on later in the game to rest key players and see out the match. England will play their next match on Wednesday in Atlanta against a third-place opponent.

Source: bbc.com

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First Half Action

The England team faced Panama in a FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match centre provided team and player statistics, expected goals data, and passing networks for analysis. This encounter marks a continuation of their history, with Harry Kane having previously scored a hat-trick against Panama in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which included two goals from the penalty spot. This was England‘s third hat-trick in the tournament’s history, following those by Geoff Hurst in 1966 and Gary Lineker in 1986.

During the first half, England pressed Panama, but the Panama defense maintained its shape. In the 20th minute, Tomas Rodriguez had a shooting opportunity. Later, Jude Bellingham attempted a shot from a considerable distance. Murillo crossed from the right, aiming for Tomas Rodriguez, but Pickford confidently punched the ball clear. A combination between Kane and Morgan Rogers in the middle nearly created an opening for England, but Rogers and Saka were crowded out when attempting a shot.

Panama also created chances. In the 26th minute, Jose Luis Rodriguez exploited space on the left and delivered a low drive towards the bottom left, which Pickford turned around the post. Shortly after, Harvey swivelled and shot into the side netting from a quick throw-in. Murillo received a pass in the England box but miscontrolled the ball, and the play was called offside. Petar Sucic scored a long-range goal in the 31st minute, giving Croatia the lead against Ghana in the other Group L match.

England continued to attack, with Rashford heading narrowly over the bar from a cross in the 38th minute. Saka made his way into the Panama box from the right, winning England‘s fifth corner of the game, but the delivery did not beat the first man. In the 45th minute, Kane was fouled 25 yards out, leading to a free-kick opportunity for Rashford and Saka. Rashford‘s subsequent shot went wide of the post.

Second Half Developments

The second half began with England restarting play. Panama made a substitution, bringing on Fajardo for Tomas Rodriguez. The early part of the second half saw several stoppages, including O’Reilly accidentally falling on Martinez, who required treatment but was able to continue. Rashford delivered a cross from the left in the 52nd minute, which Cordoba cleared, deflecting the ball off Andrade and over the bar.

In the 55th minute, Rashford drove down the left into the box and shot, hitting the side netting. A minute later, Jose Luis Rodriguez dribbled into space and curled a shot towards the top right, but it went high and wide. Declan Rice has been a key player for England, creating 10 chances in the tournament’s first two matchdays, the most of any player. This achievement places him among select England players who have created 10 or more chances in a single group stage at the finals, a feat previously accomplished by David Beckham in 2002 and 2006.

England has a strong record in their third group games at the World Cup, having lost only one of their last 14 such matches, a 0-1 defeat to Belgium in 2018. The match was anticipated to be an intense contest, with England aiming to secure a strong finish in Group L and Panama looking to frustrate their opponents with a disciplined defensive setup. The official starting lineups were announced approximately one hour before kick-off.

Match Context and Venue

The MetLife Stadium, with a capacity for more than 82,000 spectators, served as the venue for this significant group stage match. This stadium is a prominent location for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and has hosted numerous international sporting events. The match was scheduled for the early hours of Saturday, June 28, 2026, for viewers in India, with a kick-off time of 2:30 AM IST.

The match was available for live streaming in India on ZEE5, which also provided match highlights and post-match analysis. Indian viewers could also watch the live telecast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. England, a FIFA World Cup winner in 1966 and a regular contender in major international tournaments, reached the semi-finals in 2018 and finished runners-up at UEFA Euro 2024. Panama, an emerging force in CONCACAF football, has qualified for multiple recent World Cups and is known for its defensive organisation and physical style of play.

Source: theguardian.com

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