England vs Congo DR: Kane scores twice as right side draws scrutiny

Harry Kane scored twice and England turned a 2-1 deficit into a 2-1 win over Congo DR, but the match also exposed the patchwork feel of Thomas Tuchel's right side. Brian Cipenga scored after 7 minutes, Noni Madueke went off for Bukayo Saka in the 61st minute, and Declan Rice later shifted to right-back after Djed Spence was replaced by Eberechi Eze in the 70th minute.

Kane’s brace carried the result

Kane equalised on 75 minutes and then scored again on 86 minutes, with Anthony Gordon providing both assists. That was the match in a nutshell: England were not clean, but Kane gave them the decisive edge when they needed it. He also came away with the highest match rating at 8.5, which fits the eye test well enough.

Thomas Tuchel said Anthony Barry had “a brilliant idea” when England discussed putting Rice there, and the switch at least gave the side some control down the right. Rice completed 54 passes and was rated 7.2, a decent return for a player asked to patch up a problem rather than start in his usual zone.

Madueke takes the hit

The post-match debate moved quickly to Madueke. Stuart Pearce said: "I've got to say I was really disappointed with Noni Madueke. I was impressed by him in the first half, I thought he was outstanding at times. But in the second half, I think he took the easy option, got tired and gave up."

That is a harsh line, but it is not the only reading. Madueke still posted a 7.9 rating and has made 4 World Cup appearances, so the performance was not a full collapse. Even so, being replaced by Saka in the 61st minute and then becoming the main target of criticism tells you how quickly the mood around that right flank shifted.

Tuchel has a narrow win and a clear tactical tweak to take from England vs Congo DR, but the right side still looks like the problem area. Kane rescued the scoreline, Rice helped steady it, and the scrutiny on Madueke is not going away after this one.