England Shine But Questions Linger Before DR Congo Test

England wrapped up their group stage with seven points and a clean sweep to top Group L, according to Reuters, but the performance against Panama raised familiar concerns. Too often the Three Lions dominated possession without finding a cutting edge, mirroring the frustration of an earlier goalless draw with Ghana.

Reuters notes that Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane provided the moments of quality when England needed them, yet the defensive frailties and a lack of fluency in build-up play left Tuchel with plenty to address before a last-32 meeting with DR Congo.

Seven points from a group containing Croatia, Ghana and Panama is a solid foundation. Whether England can turn promise into a genuine knockout-round threat remains the big question as the tournament enters its most unforgiving phase.