England’s comeback masks defensive questions before Mexico test

England beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta, with Harry Kane central to the late turnaround. The result sends Thomas Tuchel’s side toward a demanding meeting with Mexico in Mexico City, but it did not remove concerns about how England are starting knockout matches.

In a Guardian live Q&A, correspondent Jacob Steinberg framed England’s defensive issues as both tactical and psychological. He noted that England have repeatedly conceded first in knockout football, while also analysing the DR Congo goal as a sequence in which runners and positioning created an overload near the far side of the defence.

The biggest selection debate appears to be at right-back. Djed Spence struggled against DR Congo, Reece James was discussed as a possible returnee despite hamstring concerns, and Steinberg floated options such as Ezri Konsa moving wide with John Stones returning centrally. Declan Rice at right-back was also raised, though that would create a separate problem in midfield.

Against Mexico, the Q&A leaned toward caution rather than adventure. The suggested route was for England to sit deeper, reduce space, manage the atmosphere and altitude at the Azteca, and try to make the co-hosts carry the burden of forcing the game.