England star singled out for 'giving up' against DR Congo

One England player has been called out for 'giving up' in the second half as DR Congo led their World Cup clash.

After a nervy 90 minutes, England secured their place in the World Cup round of 16 with a 2-1 win over DR Congo at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

Despite heading into the match as heavy underdogs, DR Congo took the lead early in the match as forward Brian Cipenga found the back of the net just seven minutes into the game.

England struggled to find their rhythm for much of the remainder of the match but progressed thanks to a spell of brilliance from captain Harry Kane, who stepped up with two goals in the in the 75th and 86th minutes to win the match.

Following the match, there has been much discussion about which players should be dropped or included in England's upcoming round of 16 clash with Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Monday (July 6) morning.

Some fans have suggested that Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence, who filled in for injured pair Reece James and Jarell Quansah, should be left on the bench, with Declan Rice instead starting at right-back.

But according to Stuart Pearce, it's one of Rice's Arsenal teammates that Tuchel should leave out of the lineup against Mexico following his poor performance in the DR Congo clash.

"I've got to say I'm really disappointed with Madueke," Pearce said on World Cup GameDay live after the 24-year-old was taken off just after the hour mark.

"Outstanding with him in the first half, but in the second half, I think he took the easy option, got tired and gave up."

Madueke was replaced by Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, with England manager Thomas Tuchel also taking his other winger, Marcus Rashford, off for Anthony Gordon.

Thankfully for England, the substitutions immediately had an impact, with Saka impressing while Gordon combined with Kane to assist both goals.

"Harry Kane is the one shining light, the minerals from him," Pearce added.

"My goodness, do we rely on this fella? What a captain."

Thomas Tuchel speaks out after England's nervy win

Like Pearce and England fans across the world, Tuchel had nothing but praise for his captain, paying tribute to Kane's performance post-match.

“That is what we expect from him," Tuchel said.

“I think it is what he expects from himself. Difficult matches, close matches. Harry is here to decide them. Top level.”

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel names the ‘impossible’ obstacle England must overcome in Mexico clash

When asked to assess England's overall performance, Tuchel added: “If everyone gets what they like, everyone gets an early goal and then another goal and then an easy afternoon but that’s not how it is.

“You have to deal with the situations as they come. It got very difficult because they got a very early goal but I have to say after the first water break, there were three, four, five big chances and I think a penalty in our favour.

“We kept knocking to crack that rock. The ‘keeper made unbelievable saves but the reaction and belief was one of a kind. They were ready to keep doing what was necessary to do and we found a way to win, well deserved.

“Of course, we want it to be easier but if you come back from 1-0 down, you need the last quarter to be strong and again we win the second half.

“These are also the experiences that give you genuine belief. Now that they have felt it, they did a circle after the match together, they have the reward in front of our fans.

“They are well aware of what they did and what it took today. They are team that is fully committed and full of belief.”