DR Congo head coach learned of father’s death hours before World Cup loss to England

The emotional revelation was made public at the conclusion of his post-match press conference, when the team’s media officer, Jerry Kalemo, said: “We announce that the coach has lost his father. Our sincere condolences.”

Desabre, who will turn 50 next month, responded with a quizzical expression before simply saying “thank you”, a reaction that initially led to erroneous reports suggesting it was his first time hearing the news.

However, an official later clarified to Reuters that Desabre had been informed prior to the match in Atlanta.

Jack Rathborn2 July 2026 17:30

How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar

Either way, the squad chemistry is very different to Euro 2024, when there was a lot of commentary about how the then-21-year-old had been absorbing the 10-part Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance.

Certain parallels with Jordan were clear. Here was a precocious attacking talent who wasn’t afraid to show he knows how good he is, but also to starkly tell teammates when they weren’t up to standard.

Miguel Delaney2 July 2026 17:00

Education Secretary insists children should go to school after England game

The Education Secretary says schoolchildren could watch England’s early-morning World Cup match against Mexico on Monday and still make it to class after head coach Thomas Tuchel said pupils should be allowed “an excuse for school”.

Victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday set up a meeting with the co-hosts in Mexico City that will kick off at 1am BST, likely impacting the size of the television audience able to watch.

In the past it has been common for schools and employers to allow England games in the latter stages of major tournaments to be shown when they clash with working hours, but Monday’s kick-off in the small hours poses a unique obstacle.

However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson does not believe watching the match necessarily means children need to miss school.

“It’s a late game, but children can be in school the next day,” she told the Press Association.

Asked if she believed children can both watch the game and still make it into school, she said: “Well, I think they can, yes, but it’s for parents to decide how they manage this, and of course, it depends on the age of your children, how they feel. But this is about decisions for individual families.”

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 16:30

Kyle Walker outlines stance on possible England return after Wayne Rooney’s World Cup claim

After Djed Spence struggled in the win over DR Congo, Declan Rice filled in at right-back, while Ezri Konsa also featured in stoppage time, meaning, alongside Jarell Quansah, England have now featured five separate right-backs in the tournament.

Jack Rathbor2 July 2026 16:10

England fans set sights on Mexico City

Are you heading for Mexico City? British Airways saw a 2,000 per cent spike in searches yesterday for flights from London to the Mexican capital – comparing levels at 5pm, with those at the final whistle – with the most significant numbers occurring during the final hour of the match, with a 530% increase between 6pm and 7pm, as England fans’ confidence soared when Harry Kane scored his two match-winning goals.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 15:30

England’s win over DR Congo records huge viewing figures

England’s dramatic World Cup victory over DR Congo delivered the BBC’s biggest live audience of 2026, with a peak audience of 16.3 million watching Harry Kane’s late winner on BBC One and BBC iPlayer to send England into the Round of 16.

The match also averaged 14 million viewers and was the most-watched moment on the BBC this year.

(Reuters)

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 14:45

Copa Independent | Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?

On the latest episode of Copa Independent, our World Cup podcast, Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney ask where Harry Kane’s talismanic double ranks in the pantheon of great England moments.

Copa Independent | Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 14:30

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should start at right-back for England against Mexico?

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 14:10

England’s right-back farce continues to leave Thomas Tuchel with one World Cup option

Thomas Tuchel’s prowess in knockout football helped persuade the FA to appoint him England manager. As his side stumbled then surged into the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, it is debateable if it was underlined against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tuchel may have been the catalyst for a comeback; with his substitutions, with his interventions at hydration breaks.

Yet the greatest evidence that Tuchel is the king of the knockouts was supplied by shutouts. In 2021, his Chelsea won the Champions League when conceding just twice in their last seven games. If his England can add the greatest prize in international football, it may have to come another way.

Harry Latham-Coyle2 July 2026 14:00