Shearer warns Tuchel that DR Congo will frustrate England just as Ghana and Panama did

England face DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday night, with Alan Shearer warning Thomas Tuchel that the Three Lions could encounter the same defensive resistance that troubled them in earlier group-stage fixtures.

England secured top spot in Group L after a 2-0 win over Panama in their final group game, but the victory came against a side that sat deep and looked to hit on the counter — a pattern Shearer believes DR Congo will replicate.

“If it is going to be DR Congo, then I guess they’re going to play the same as Ghana and Panama have today, where it will be defensive and they will try and hit England on the break,” Shearer told BBC 5 Live. “And that’s when you’re more reliant on players producing that piece of magic to get you out of a tricky spot.”

The former England striker did identify reasons for optimism, pointing to Harry Kane opening his tournament account, Jude Bellingham contributing a goal and an assist, and Elliott Anderson impressing in midfield. Shearer also highlighted Marc Guehi’s use of pace in defensive moments as a positive.

“That will be what they have to work on because the further they go, if they give the chances they have today then they will be punished,” Shearer added.

A win in Georgia would send England through to the last 16, where they would face either Mexico or Ecuador.

Elsewhere in the round of 32, there have already been notable upsets: the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco on penalties, and Germany suffered the same fate against Paraguay. Brazil and Canada have also booked their places in the last 16, with several fixtures still to be played to complete the stage.