Rooney warns England: Mexico test could define hopes

Wayne Rooney says England are “in big trouble” after Thomas Tuchel’s side needed two late goals from Harry Kane to beat DR Congo, citing major gaps in midfield, problems defensively and anxiety over the right-back position.

England survived Wednesday night, but Wayne Rooney left full-time with no comfort to offer.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were far from their best as they edged past DR Congo. needing two late goals from captain Harry Kane to progress to the round of 16. Rooney acknowledged the relief that comes with going through. yet his verdict on what comes next was blunt: “For me there are big concerns. We are all delighted England have gone through but in particular when England lose the ball they are so open.”.

Against a stronger opponent, Rooney believes those cracks can’t be papered over. “Against a better team I think we are in big trouble if we don’t sort that out.” He pointed to what he sees as a structural problem when the ball is turned over.

Rooney said. “The connection isn’t great between the backline and midfield. the full-backs are struggling. [Noni] Madueke struggled.” He added that there were “just no connections and big gaps in the middle of the pitch and that is a big worry for me.” In his view. Tuchel must change it quickly. “He really needs to look at that otherwise we will go out.”.

The next test arrives fast. England will face Mexico in Mexico City on Monday morning (BST). The co-hosts are yet to concede a goal at the tournament and have won all four of their games. If England progress from that tie—at the Estadio Azteca—they could meet Brazil in the quarter-finals and then defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals.

Before the late turnaround was secured, Rooney had already taken aim at England’s defensive decision-making. He accused Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa of “poor judgement” for Brian Cipenga’s opening goal for Congo. At full-time. he was equally critical of Djed Spence’s performance at right-back. calling it “a serious problem position” for Tuchel.

Rooney’s concerns went beyond the game on the night. He revealed the call he says Tuchel should have made earlier, explaining that once Tino Livramento was injured, England should have moved immediately for an experienced option.

Rooney said: “We’ve seen it before where players have come out of retirement… I think the minute Tino Livramento got injured. they should have been straight on the phone to Kyle Walker.” He added that he would have pursued Walker aggressively: “Kyle’s still more than good enough and more than capable of playing in this England team. ‘I would have been on the phone to him and saying. “Listen. we need you here so can you come out and help us”. because that could really cost us. I’m worried on that.””.

Still, Rooney did not deny what England needed most to escape DR Congo’s pressure. He reserved clear praise for Harry Kane. singling out both the quality of the first moment and the impact of the second. “His header was brilliant but the second goal was incredible and he is just such a top player,” Rooney said. “All the best players in the world are performing at this World Cup. he is England’s superstar. he is the hero for us.”.

For Rooney, the reality is that the result matters—but the warning signs matter more now. “There are few things that they need to clear up: I wasn’t too sure about midfield and defence in that performance but the main thing in football is you get through and Harry Kane has done it again for us.”

Wayne Rooney England DR Congo Harry Kane Thomas Tuchel Mexico City Estadio Azteca World Cup Noni Madueke Marc Guehi Ezri Konsa Brian Cipenga Djed Spence Kyle Walker Tino Livramento