The alarming historical record of the England national team has once again haunted fans: England has never managed to win a single World Cup match when trailing at halftime, and now they stumble again against the Democratic Republic of Congo, which took the lead just seven minutes into the game. The atmosphere became even tenser after Alan Shearer, the legendary English forward, described the Three Lions' performance as “very careless” and lacking any spark in the early stages of the match.
At the stadium where everything is decided in the World Cup knockout stage, Brian Cipenga silenced the English supporters by beating Jordan Pickford with a low shot into the near post. The Everton goalkeeper was clearly caught out, unable to stop a shot that many would consider easily saveable. England never found their rhythm in the first 25 minutes – erratic passing, turnovers in midfield, and glaring defensive vulnerabilities. Congo, buoyed by the early goal, came close to doubling their lead, with Yoane Wissa hitting the post in a clear opportunity, leaving the English on the brink.
This partial defeat at halftime is not just a statistical fact; it is a true nightmare for a team carrying enormous expectations. The Three Lions have never managed to overturn a deficit in such circumstances in World Cup knockout stages, accumulating seven losses and two draws. The weight of history begins to loom over Gareth Southgate at a time when criticism continues to grow and the pressure on the team increases from game to game.
Alan Shearer, speaking to the BBC shortly after the first half, did not hold back: “From England's perspective, it was very careless at the start and they offered nothing in the first 20-25 minutes. There were improvements, at least in the more advanced positions, in the second half [of the first half].” The former England international also highlighted the lack of intensity and effectiveness in attack, emphasizing that “the team looked disconnected, without ideas, and with too much slowness in ball circulation,” attributing blame to both the defensive sector and the midfield.
Jude Bellingham, one of the few trying to swim against the tide, had two golden opportunities to equalize but was thwarted by an inspired Lionel Mpasi, who denied the goal with top-level saves. Harry Kane was also at the center of a controversial moment when he was brought down in the penalty area, but the referee looked the other way and ignored the protests from the English players. This decision further infuriated the British contingent, who already felt the officiating was favoring the opposition.
What lies ahead for England is a true test of fire. The team must radically change its attitude and demonstrate on the pitch the quality that, on paper, is abundant in this star-studded squad. If they fail to turn the result around, an early elimination will be inevitable and will mark yet another dark chapter in the long history of English disappointments in decisive stages. For Congo, the dream of staying alive in the World Cup gains momentum, with confidence high and the hope of surprising yet another European giant.
The next chapter of this football drama will be written in the second half, where England will have to defy fate and, for the first time, overturn a losing scoreline at halftime in a World Cup. The fans demand a response, and Gareth Southgate will have to prove once and for all that he can break curses and lead the team to the next stage. If he fails, he will hardly escape an unprecedented wave of criticism.
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