England were 15 minutes from humiliation - the issues Tuchel must solve

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. England were 15 minutes from humiliation - the issues Tuchel must solve Figure caption, Kane scores late winner as England overcome DR Congo to reach last 16ByPhil McNulty Chief football writer in Mexico CityPublished52 minutes agoEngland were 15 minutes from one of the most abject humiliations in their World Cup history until Harry Kane's late heroics helped them overcome DR Congo to face Mexico in the last 16. Kane scored twice to rescue England, as well as head coach Thomas Tuchel, who may not have survived a result that would have ranked alongside the last-16 defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016,and the loss to the United States at the 1950 World Cup, as a national embarrassment. Instead, England's World Cup dream lives on as they head to Mexico City, and into a nation alive with passion and football fever, to face the co-hosts in the iconic surrounding of Azteca Stadium.

England's win, however, did not cover cracks exposed regularly in this campaign as well as obvious flaws in selection and performance. Genuine superstar Kane produces his biggest England moment Published14 hours agoWhy did England struggle against DR Congo - and what can they learn? Published11 hours agoCan Tuchel always rely on Kane and Bellingham?

The Details

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, England head coach Thomas Tuchel has plenty of issues to resolve before they face Mexico in Mexico City in the World Cup last 16Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England's standout performers at this World Cup, contributing goals and world-class inspiration. The pair were both on target in Group L wins against Croatia and Panama. They were England's leading lights against DR Congo.

It would help England and Tuchel's cause if others could come to the party. As good as Kane and Bellingham are, there will come a day when they do not bail under-performing team-mates and their head coach out. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bellingham and Kane have been England's driving forces as they have reached the World Cup's last 16Anthony Gordon had an outstanding impact off the bench with a part in both goals against DR Congo, but it was a frustrating day for Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, while Tuchel is still clearly wary of over-exerting Bukayo Saka as he manages an Achilles problem.

Kane and Bellingham revel in responsibility as England's leaders, but it is about time others shared the burden around at this World Cup. Does Tuchel know his best team? If Tuchel does know his best team, he is hiding it well – and the amount of shuffling on the flanks and in defence suggests he does not.

The right-back position is becoming a poisoned chalice, either because of injuries or loss of form. And the sight of Declan Rice, the glue that holds England together as a performer of the highest class in midfield, ending the win against DR Congo at right-back once again hinted at confusion.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.