Harry Kane saves England. Comparisons to Tomaszewski
Harry Kane saved England. Comparisons to Tomaszewski
The captain of the "Three Lions" turned the tide of the match against DR Congo with two goals. The English see their rivals' goalkeeper as a shadow of a Polish legend.
Harry Kane did not allow England to say goodbye to the tournament in shame, tipping the scales in their favor against DR Congo with two late goals. The England team was losing 0-1 until the break and for a significant part of the second half, looking like a team without chemistry and ideas for the game. Thomas Tuchel's players played like in a trance, and their lack of effectiveness meant that they were at risk of a sensational defeat.
The situation was saved by the captain, who first equalized the match and then scored a three-point goal, making the score 2-1. It was a classic example of a six-point match that was heading towards disaster for the favorites "Three Lions" for a long time. However, there is no reason for euphoria in the British media, and the dominant tone is critical.
Journalists praise Kane's cool-headedness and efficiency, but mercilessly accuse the rest of the team of their hopeless, sluggish attitude. The most colorful comments, however, concern Lionel Mpasi, the DR Congo goalkeeper, who was for a moment the hero of the match, frustrating the English strikers. The English could not resist making historical comparisons to Jan Tomaszewski, the Polish goalkeeper who became England's "enemy number one" at Wembley in 1973, preventing them from advancing to the World Cup.
The memory of that evening came back like a boomerang as Mpasi faced the opposition's attacks, summoning the demons of his past. The victory allows England to think about the next game and keeps them among the favorites, but the style in which they won it raises serious doubts before the knockout stage. Tuchel must quickly rebuild the team's mentality and improve tactics if he does not want a repeat of history, where individual brilliance masks systemic weaknesses.
The next match will show whether it was just a temporary drop in form or a sign of bigger problems that may end with a quick return home. Analyzing the match, it can be seen that England had great difficulties in attacking play, despite having many talented players. The lack of attacking effectiveness and the inability to use space on the pitch were the main reasons why Tuchel's team had so much difficulty scoring goals.
On the other hand, England's defense was vulnerable to mistakes, which could have resulted in the loss of points. That's why it was so important for Kane to score these two goals, which not only saved the match, but also gave the team confidence for the next matches. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that comparisons to Jan Tomaszewski were not accidental.
The story of the Polish goalkeeper who prevented England from qualifying for the World Cup is still fresh in the memory of fans and players. That's why it was so important for the English to defeat DR Congo to avoid history repeating itself. The victory of Kane and his team now allows them to think about the next game and keeps them among the favorites, but the style in which they won it raises serious doubts before the knockout stage.
The match also exposed deeper problems in English football. Despite a huge budget and access to top talent, the England national team still struggles with a lack of team play. The individual skills of individual players do not translate into effectiveness in key moments, which was especially visible in the second half, when DR Congo had a real chance to increase the score.
The weakness in building action and the lack of pressure on the opponents in the decisive parts of the match show that England still needs to work a lot to become a real favorite for the title. Another surprising aspect was the ineffectiveness of the English midfielders, who were unable to provide adequate support for Kane. Despite having names like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, the attack often ended when the opponents received the ball.
These elements of the game, which until now were considered England's strengths, turned out to be the biggest weaknesses in the match against DR Congo. Kane's victory was met with mixed reactions in the dressing room. According to British media reports, some players expressed frustration with the lack of support for the captain, while others emphasized that it was Kane's individual genius that saved the team from embarrassment.
Coach Thomas Tuchel, quoted by The Athletic, admitted that the match was a "difficult experience", but emphasized that in the end it was the result that mattered. However, his words did not calm down critics who expect a quick improvement in the quality of the game. What's next?
England now face another test, and the fate of the tournament will depend on how quickly Tuchel's team copes with the problems revealed in the match against DR Congo. The next opponent is Denmark, and the stake is to advance to the quarterfinals. Will the English learn from their mistakes, or will history repeat itself, when individual brilliance was not enough to defeat more serious rivals?
England survived the horror, but this match exposed cracks in the favorites' armor. The victory is defended by the result, not the game, which is a disturbing signal before competing with stronger rivals. The mention of Tomaszewski adds a historical flavor to the whole situation, reminding us that the problem with goalkeepers and the "Polish complex" is still a living myth in English football. It's not just three points, it's a warning. England now need to prove they can play as a team and not just rely on individual moments of genius.
Frequently asked
How did the England vs DR Congo match end?
England won 2-1 after two goals from Harry Kane reversed the score from 0-1.
Who did the English compare to Jan Tomaszewski?
The British press compared DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with the legendary Polish goalkeeper from 1973.
Who is the coach of the England national team?
The England national team is led by Thomas Tuchel, who was heavily criticized for the team's attitude in this match.
Why was the match so important?
England was at risk of premature elimination from the tournament, and Kane saved the team from embarrassment with his goals.
Who scored the goals for England?
Both goals for England were scored by Harry Kane, who equalized in the 76th minute, and the decisive goal came in the 88th minute.
What are England's next challenges in the tournament?
England will face Denmark in a match that will decide who advances to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
