'He was struggling' - Zlatan Ibrahimovic was worried after watching one England player against DR Congo

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he was worried watching one England player in the dramatic late win over DR Congo.

England came from behind to beat the African side in Atlanta, with talisman Harry Kane bagging a brace to move past Pele as the sixth highest goalscorer in World Cup history.

The Three Lions were breached early on by a strike from Brian Cipenga and Congo's swift attacks caused all sorts of problems at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

England improved with substitutions and a second hydration break, with Anthony Gordon making a difference with by assisting both of Kane's goals.

A difficult outing for Djed Spence at right-back saw him replaced by Eberechi Eze, with Declan Rice deputising in the role for the latter stages.

The Arsenal midfielder played the majority of the game after missing the Panama win through injury. He is still battling through nerve pain in his hamstring and Ibrahimovic noticed Rice having difficulties with covering distance.

READ MORE: England star singled out for 'giving up' against DR Congo

"We can discuss about details and that, but today I saw England suffering physically," Ibrahimovic said, speaking on Fox Sports following the 2-1 victory.

"I didn’t see them run like before, especially Declan Rice. His quality is to run but it is like he was struggling. Not only him, also the other ones.

"It is not how you win, it is important to win. Especially this England, they have a lot of pressure to win. Why, I don’t know.

"But they won and we are happy they went through in the tournament. Super happy for the tournament because we need England in this tournament."

England have been plagued by issues at right-back, with Tino Livramento sent home from the tournament and forced to undergo surgery on a calf injury.

First-choice right Reece James was ruled out for the second consecutive game with a hamstring problem, while Jarell Quansah was named as a substitute but did not get changed into his kit after being subbed off with an ankle injury against Panama.

That meant Spence got the nod at right-back and was on the receiving end of a scathing rant from Thomas Tuchel, who had an animated moment with the Spurs defender in training.

Declan Rice gives update on fitness after England injury worries

Rice filling in at right-back was a solution suggested by England's assistant Anthony Barry and saw him connect with fellow subs Bukayo Saka and Eze of Arsenal.

He was replaced late on by John Stones before being seen with an ice pack on his left hamstring while sat in the dugout.

But any concerns from England supporters were alleviated by Rice afterwards as when asked about his fitness, he told BBC 5 Live: "I'm fine. Good as gold."

England face the tough task of playing co-hosts Mexico in high altitude at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening, with Tuchel calling the challenge "impossible".

Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to qualify for the round of 16 and their last loss at the stadium in Mexico City was in September 2013 when they lost to the United States.

A win over Mexico will see them lock horns with Brazil or Norway in the quarter finals on Saturday 11 July.