One current Hammer and one former Hammer ran England very close – too close for comfort – as DR Congo scored first but failed to hold onto their lead in the ’round of 32′ game as England came from behind to beat their opponents 2-1 thanks to a Harry Kane double.
Former Hammer ‘King” Arthur Masuaku rolled back the years and looked the epitome of a professional on DR Congo’s left hand side – at times more comfortable than ever he looked in a claret and blue shirt as England huffed and puffed but failed to impact the game in the first twenty minutes.
Masuaku rolling back the years for DR Congo
Aaron Wan Bissaka provided a performance – including a goal – line clearance – was more reminiscent of his first season at West Ham and will have done his chances of a transfer back to the Premier League no harm at all.
No doubt several Premier League Sporting Directors will have taken note that Wan-Bissaka looked comfortable in his forward forays as well as his defensive duties, his goal line clearance described by the BBC as ‘incredible”.
The game hinged on England’s substitutions and reorganisation – changing the two wingers and moving Declan Rice to right back ironically provided the stability at the back and two assists from Anthony Gordon for “England’s saviour’ – BBC’s words, not mine – Harry Kane will surely show Thomas Tuchel the way forward against Edson Alvararez’ Mexico who now await England in the last 16 at the weekend.