Jordan Pickford 4 -He just cannot be beaten any his near post like that. He is having a poor World Cup.

Djed Spence 4 – Let’s be honest, on the back of the season he’s had, quite how he’s ended up at this World Cup is anyone’s guess. Exposed.

Ezri Konsa 5 – Unwittingly went close to equalising but the England defence was exposed again.

Marc Guehi 6 – The calmest man in defence – which is not saying a lot. Back four issues again.

Nico O’Reilly 5 – His aerial threat and defending was important but none of the defenders played well.

Declan Rice 5 – Screamed at the bench in frustration after England conceded.

Elliot Anderson 5 – So quiet and subdued. Did not look anywhere near his best.

Noni Madueke 5 – Got the nod over Saka and it just did not work. Offered no cover and little end product.

Jude Bellingham 6 – Booked. Went close with a header but you could see the frustration building.

Marcus Rashford 5 – Let a ball go under his foot to pre-empt the first hydration break. Had one cleared off the line.

Harry Kane 5 – Had one chance taken off his toe. DR Congo kept him very quiet and frustrated.

England's goalkeeper #01 Jordan Pickford concedes a goal scored by Congo DR's forward #09 Brian Cipenga (out of frame) and his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match football between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 1, 2026.  (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

(Image: ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)