England's stars shine but flaws remain before DR Congo showdown

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 28 : For long spells on Saturday, England looked to be sleepwalking into second place in Group L.

That was until Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane seized control.

Their second-half goals secured a 2-0 win over Panama, top spot in the group and a far more favourable route through the World Cup knockout rounds, starting with DR Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Seven points from a group containing Croatia, Ghana and Panama is a respectable return. England are unbeaten, group winners and yet to hit top form.

The Panama game raised many of the same questions posed by the goalless draw with Ghana. England dominated the ball but too often looked short of ideas, lacking the speed and creativity needed to break down a compact defence.

"They are struggling, lacking that intensity," former Manchester United captain Roy Keane said during halftime on ITV's broadcast. "Sometimes when you are playing a team with less quality, you are to be dragged down to their level. That's what England kind of seem to have done.

"It's just like watching Scotland. A real lack of quality. That bad."

Panama created enough chances to expose uncomfortable weaknesses in England's defence, while Jarell Quansah's ankle injury only deepened concerns in a defence already stretched by the absence of Reece James and other full-back options.

DR Congo are likely to ask tougher questions of England, particularly if Tuchel's side leave the same gaps they did against Panama.

The good news for England is that they possess two players capable of deciding any match.

BELLINGHAM BREAKTHROUGH GOAL

Bellingham dragged England forward when they needed inspiration, scoring the breakthrough goal  and creating Kane's record-breaking second. 

Kane's 11th World Cup goal