England secured a narrow 2-1 victory against DR Congo in their World Cup campaign, but concerns regarding the right-back position continue to loom large. Djed Spence, who made his first start of the tournament, struggled defensively against DR Congo's winger, Brian Cipenga, who assisted the opening goal for his team. This ongoing issue at right-back has been a significant point of worry for England throughout the tournament.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Spence's performance raised alarms as he frequently found himself outpaced by Cipenga, failing to establish a strong defensive presence. His substitution for Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute indicates that manager Gareth Southgate is seeking a more dependable option in that position. The defensive vulnerabilities were further highlighted when DR Congo's Yoane Wissa struck the post in the first half, almost resulting in an own goal by England's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.

Attacking Brilliance Shines Through

Despite the defensive shortcomings, England's attacking players delivered impressive performances. Harry Kane once again showcased his scoring ability by netting both goals for England, with both assists coming from Anthony Gordon, who made a notable impact after coming off the bench. Gordon's contributions underline his importance to the team, although Kane's overall involvement in the match could have been more pronounced.

Young talents Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson also received positive ratings for their performances, with O'Reilly demonstrating maturity and consistency, while Anderson's contributions in midfield were commendable. Nevertheless, the right-back position remains an area needing improvement if England aims to advance further in the tournament.

In summary, England's victory against DR Congo highlighted the team's resilience and the effectiveness of their attacking players. However, the ongoing issues at right-back must be addressed to enhance their chances of success in the tournament. The performances of Djed Spence, along with the impactful play of Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, emphasize the necessity for tactical adjustments moving forward.