England learn World Cup round of 32 opponents after record-breaking night | OneFootball

Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporter

England will face DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta after beating Panama to finish as Group L winners, while the African side earned a first ever win at the World Cup.

The African side conceded inside just 10 minutes to Uzbekistan’s all-time leading goalscorer Eldor Shomurodov lobbing Lionel Mpasi Nzau, when the goalkeeper was left stranded by a miscommunication with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

But Yoane Wissa’s brace either side of Fiston Mayele scoring from off the bench in the second half completed an inspired comeback in Atlanta, where they will return to face the Three Lions on the 1st of July at 17:00 (BST).

They rose to second in the third-placed teams ranking, level on points with Graham Potter’s Sweden.

England met expectations following a shaky first half performance as Jude Bellingham both scored and then set up Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal to overcome Panama 2-0 to finish as Group L winners.

Kane headed home the Real Madrid midfielder’s cross for his 11th goal at the fourth World Cup he has featured in, surpassing Gary Lineker’s total of 10 goals in an England shirt between 1986 and 1990.

The victory was a very welcome one for their supporters despite already having qualified for the round of 32 while Panama were already out of the World Cup, with either Colombia or Portugal awaiting the Three Lions had they finished second.

The pair played out a goalless draw at the Los Angeles Stadium that saw Davidson Sanchez’s header ruled out for offside, with the semi-automated offside images showing just the toe of his boot to have strayed beyond the last defender.

A total of 42 places separate England from DR Congo sat 46th in the FIFA World Rankings, but Thomas Tuchel’s side could be punished by the likes of Wissa if they show even a hint of complacency in their round of 32 clash.

The Three Lions were once again too easy to penetrate through the middle of the park and had several scares that could’ve seen them staring at a shock defeat, or be held to a frustrating draw and having to settle for the more challenging draw.

Regardless of the result next week, DR Congo can hold their heads high for what is a fantastic achievement considering they hadn’t competed at the World Cup since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

Wissa played an essential part in putting an end to their agonizing 52-year wait to celebrate a first ever World Cup victory, which itself created even more history on a memorable night in Atlanta.

For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.