Thomas Tuchel told what England must improve as Roy Keane issues damning verdict | OneFootball

Three Lions are through to World Cup knockouts, but unconvincingly so

Gary Neville has revealed what England must improve as they move into the World Cup 2026 knockout stages.

The Three Lions progressed as winners of Group L after a 2-0 win over Panama, while Croatia will also advance as runners-up with a 2-1 victory against Ghana in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

However, while England are through undefeated, their last two performances have led some to question them for when they take on better-quality opposition.

Thomas Tuchel’s men dominated for large periods against Ghana and Panama, but could not break the underdogs down, before Jude Bellingham opened the scoring just after the hour in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Harry Kane doubled the lead with a history-making goal that sees him become England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, moving ahead of Gary Lineker.

On ITV, former England and Manchester United right-back Neville indicated that the Three Lions had to raise their levels as they progress deeper into the tournament.

Victorious: Thomas Tuchel

PA

“[Tuchel] won't be walking off that pitch and thinking everything is perfect right now,” Neville said,

"They've got to get together in the next four days, get Declan Rice back in the team, get the back four more solid. They cut through us a few times. They didn’t have the quality to punish us, but we are going to have to step up.”

"It wasn't pretty, far from it. England's top players eventually turned up in the second half in Bellingham and Kan. They're huge players for them, that's what you want in these tight games."

The German head coach made a few changes to the side that was held by Ghana, with Declan Rice, an injury concern after he was seen with strapping on his calf following matchday two, rested.

Bellingham moved back into the double pivot alongisde Manchester CIty-bound Elliot Anderson, with Morgan Rogers operating as the No10 behind Kane.

Jarell Quansah replaced the injured Reece James at right-back, but suffered his own worry which forced Tuchel to sacrifice him for Djed Spence, who saw himself benched in favour of Nico O’Reilly.

Ezri Konsa was recalled over John Stones, with Marc Guehi keeping his place, while it was all change on the wings, as Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka started over Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon.