Rooney's Warning: England's Defensive Frailties Exposed in DR Congo Escape

England scraped through their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, but the manner of the performance has set alarm bells ringing among former internationals.

The Three Lions found themselves behind within seven minutes—a shock that required until the 75th minute to remedy. Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich striker, levelled proceedings before adding a second on 86 minutes to secure passage through the tournament. Yet this narrow escape has done little to inspire confidence.

Wayne Rooney, speaking on BBC One, has articulated deep misgivings about what he witnessed. The former Manchester United and England forward pointed to troubling patterns that extend beyond this solitary fixture.

"There are big concerns," Rooney stated bluntly. "Obviously we're delighted England have gone through, but the issues are real. When we lose possession, we're terribly exposed. Against a superior opponent, we're looking at serious trouble if we don't sort this out."

The crux of Rooney's critique centres on the gaping holes in midfield and the disconnect between England's defensive line and their attacking players. "The full-backs are struggling," he explained. "There's no real link between the back and middle sections of the pitch. Big gaps everywhere—that's what worries me."

Rooney was particularly critical of Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, who started in a 4-2-3-1 formation on the right flank. The 24-year-old, who arrived at the club from Chelsea, managed two off-target shots and three key passes during his 61 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by fellow Gunner Bukayo Saka. His crossing proved unreliable—ten attempts with just three finding their target—though he did maintain a 96% pass accuracy and recorded 54 touches overall.

Rooney's assessment suggested these issues aren't confined to this particular match. "That's not just today," he cautioned. "It's been a pattern, which gives Thomas Tuchel clear pointers about what he needs to address. He needs to look at other options, or we will go out."

For all Kane's heroics—performances already drawing Ballon d'Or whispers—England know they cannot continue to rely on individual brilliance to paper over collective shortcomings. Against DR Congo, they got away with it. Against genuinely elite opposition, such vulnerabilities could prove fatal.