Former England international, Danny Murphy, has asserted that Thomas Tuchel’s team is ‘in a good place’ as they approach the knockout stages of the World Cup, although their prospects for victory may depend significantly on one key player.
The Three Lions did not perform at their peak once again last night, needing second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama.
Having advanced as group winners, Tuchel’s squad will now face DR Congo in the round of 32, with a potential quarter-final matchup against co-hosts Mexico on the horizon.
England will undoubtedly need to enhance their performance as the tournament advances if they aim to achieve their goal of ending a 60-year drought for their men’s team in winning a major trophy, yet Murphy remains optimistic that they are progressing in the right direction.
“I believe it’s challenging to evaluate the group matches due to the varying levels of opposition and their distinct styles,” he remarked to the BBC.
“I think we will be better suited against stronger teams where there is more space for our dynamic players. There isn’t much to improve upon; however, at times in the final third against congested defenses, we require a bit more quality and speed in our play.
“Nevertheless, if we are to play aggressively, as Tuchel desires, we will occasionally be vulnerable to counterattacks, leading to some chances conceded, so I am quite satisfied with England’s current position.
“There may be a slight issue at right-back depending on how long it takes Reece James to recover, but overall, I am quite pleased with England’s situation.”
With both Bellingham and Kane in excellent scoring form, England possesses two genuine match-winners, and Murphy believes it is the captain who provides England with a real opportunity to succeed.
He stated, “Two exceptional players in my opinion, Bellingham has been our standout performer over the last few tournaments. They are players who thrive in high-pressure situations and frequently take on responsibility.
“Kane, we expect him to score every time he plays and he more or less does and that’s why he’s the captain and the greatest goalscorers we’ve ever had and that’s why we’ve got a chance of winning the World Cup.”
