Mexico take a perfect defensive record into a blockbuster World Cup clash with England as Julián Quiñones chases history and Javier Aguirre eyes another statement win.
Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.
Nicky Butt has questioned Thomas Tuchel's management after England's unconvincing World Cup win over DR Congo. The former Manchester United midfielder criticised the head coach's squad selection, tactical approach and reluctance to deviate from his plan, warning that those decisions could prove costly later in the tournament.
"Football's coming home again, with Tommy Tuchel" were the words that rang around the exterior of Atlanta Stadium as tens of thousands of fans walked out into the Georgia heat following England's 2-1 win over DR Congo. The mood was jubilant. Everyone was happy. England won, DR Congo lost. England are now four victories away from ending 60 years of hurt and winning a long-coveted World Cup.
Anthony Gordon has heaped immense praise on England team-mate Harry Kane, claiming the striker is currently operating at a level comparable to Lionel Messi. Gordon's comments follow Kane's dramatic late brace that rescued England from a shock World Cup exit against DR Congo, highlighting his consistency and elite mindset on the biggest international stage.
England manager Thomas Tuchel believes his team will receive karmic justice at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday, four decades after Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal. As England prepare to face 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the last-16, Tuchel is backing his players to banish the ghosts of 1986 and finally make peace with the iconic venue in front of a hostile home crowd.
Kyle Walker has responded to Wayne Rooney's suggestion that the former England full-back should have been considered to play at the 2026 World Cup. The Manchester City icon was flattered by his old team-mate's remarks, but firmly stands by his decision to step aside and let the younger generation play.
Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards has heavily urged Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel to drop Arsenal winger Noni Madueke for the country's World Cup round of 16 clash against Mexico. Insisting that England's attacking fluency has hit a major roadblock, Richards argued that Bukayo Saka must immediately return to the starting lineup.
Manchester City have taken a significant step in their summer recruitment by confirming an agreement to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old is set to become the latest high-profile arrival at the Etihad Stadium as the Premier League champions continue to bolster their engine room.
Thierry Henry has warned England that they are playing a dangerous game by relying so heavily on the individual brilliance of Harry Kane. The Arsenal and France legend believes the Three Lions will face a reckoning if the Thomas Tuchel's side concede first in their upcoming World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico.
Thomas Tuchel praised assistant Anthony Barry after a bold tactical switch helped England recover from behind to beat DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32. Declan Rice's move to right-back changed the balance of the game, with Harry Kane scoring twice to complete the comeback and send the Three Lions through.
Harry Kane delivered in an England shirt in a massive way against DR Congo on Wednesday, but the Three Lions will have to be much better in order to make a deep run at the 2026 World Cup. Right now, they are nowhere near the levels required to beat the very best teams.
Thomas Tuchel has issued a rallying cry to parents across the nation, urging them to let their children stay up for England’s 1am World Cup last-16 showdown against Mexico. The Three Lions boss believes the support of the younger generation will be vital as his side prepares to walk into the lions' den of the Azteca Stadium.
Axel Tuanzebe admits DR Congo are bitterly disappointed after suffering a heartbreaking World Cup exit following a 2-1 defeat against England. The defender revealed the squad are kicking themselves for not securing victory in the first half, while coach Sebastien Desabre praised his players for a brave performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium despite the painful outcome.
Thierry Henry has heaped praise on Harry Kane after the England striker produced a magnificent late winner against DR Congo at the World Cup. The Bayern Munich star scored twice in a hard-fought comeback victory, prompting Henry to marvel at his incredible physical technique, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed the team's entire hopes of tournament glory rest squarely on Kane's shoulders.
Declan Rice has hailed "ridiculous" Harry Kane as a "proper leader" after the captain’s clinical brace rescued England from a potential World Cup disaster against DR Congo. The Three Lions midfielder admitted he was left stunned by Kane’s finishing ability as Thomas Tuchel's side secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory to reach the round of 16.
Thomas Tuchel has urged his England side to use their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Congo DR as a springboard for the rest of the World Cup. The Three Lions survived a significant scare in the round of 32, requiring a late rescue act from their captain to avoid a humiliating exit.
England came from behind to secure their place in the last 16 of the World Cup as a second-half brace from Harry Kane ensured a 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday. The Three Lions were largely poor for long periods in Atlanta, but Kane's goals, which were both assisted by substitute Anthony Gordon, set up a meeting with co-hosts Mexico on Sunday.
Harry Kane and England have been left furious after the striker was denied a penalty in the closing stages of the first half against DR Congo. The referee waved away the appeals, suggesting Kane had dived, sparking a massive debate among pundits like Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. Some claimed it was a clear foul, while others praised the referee for ignoring the dive.
Declan Rice is “world-class” already, former Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL, with the Gunners star considered to boast a special quality that makes him a potential Ballon d’Or contender of the future. England international Rice is hoping to come into contention for that prize while chasing down more major honours with club and country.
Ashley Cole has announced his departure from Serie B side Cesena, bringing an abrupt end to his first head coaching role after just three months. The former England international decided to step down following internal discussions regarding the club’s future direction.
Comprehensive match preview of England vs DR Congo at the World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news, and more ahead of this Round of 32 clash in Atlanta.
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Declan Rice believes the current England squad features the best penalty takers the nation has ever seen. Ahead of a World Cup round of 32 clash against DR Congo, the midfielder expressed absolute confidence in his team-mates' abilities. While acknowledging past nerves, he insists the group is fully prepared for a shootout if required under Thomas Tuchel.
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