It must be said that the confrontation between England and the DRC is very worth watching for professionals like us. I will not give Harry Kane much praise anymore. 60 goals in a season for Bayern Munich, 5 goals for England after only 4 matches, those are guaranteed numbers for a world-class striker. The way Harry Kane defeated the DRC convinces us that the 2026 World Cup is not just about Messi or Mbappe...
Personally, I want to talk more about the "tradition" of the England team. I am like many fans, closest to the English Premier League, reading information about the players of the foggy country every day. Watching the England team play in major tournaments such as the World Cup and EURO becomes an indispensable part.
Perhaps, it was the match against DRC - when people looked at the Three Lions with the greatest disappointment - that I found it interesting again. Look at Jude Bellingham's reactions in the first half. He was disappointed, ready to scream towards the technical area, some others such as exploding, Harry Kane encouraged his teammates. England showed great desire even though playing football cannot be said to meet expectations.
Indeed, after this moment, I remember that in the 20th to 22nd minutes, England started to put pressure on the DRC with terrifying pressure. Everyone regretted the moment Wissa hit the post, but if it weren't for luck and the excellence of goalkeeper Mpasi, I think England could have touched the equalizer from the first half.
I look at newspapers and see countless criticisms aimed at the England team, and also on social networks. It is true that since I started playing professionally, retired and now become a coach, the least changed thing in football is the British media about their team.
The England team is always very strong, but extremely noisy in the newspapers. This is what puts them under a lot of pressure, even a small action can be dug up if they lose a World Cup match. And, the England team in some way still goes deep in major tournaments, but playing lacks something to convince viewers.
I hope that Thomas Tuchel - a good coach in cup competitions - will bring England the courage to overcome difficulties, especially when they have Kane, Bellingham or Declan Rice. I still often hear the saying "football returns home" - the dream of the English. I hope the flow of history will be named England in 2026.
