Jamie Carragher has declared that England's chances of winning the World Cup are 'remote' after the Three Lions scraped past DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32. The former Liverpool and England defender wrote in his column for The Telegraph that while Harry Kane's heroics offer 'the slimmest hope', the overall performances do not support a title challenge.
England's narrow escape against DR Congo
England fell behind in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo in Atlanta. The Three Lions looked disjointed and lacking creativity until manager Thomas Tuchel made a double substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka for Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke. Fifteen minutes later, Gordon assisted Kane's towering header to equalise. With extra time looming, Kane scored a stunning second goal from the edge of the box, securing a 2-1 victory.
Carragher's bleak assessment
Carragher emphasised the need for realism, stating, 'After scraping into the round of 16, we must be realistic and accept that our chances of winning the World Cup are remote.' He added, 'With Kane in such form, there is still the slimmest hope. Without him, we would be flying home already.' Carragher also predicted that Kane's Ballon d'Or hopes are slim, as the award typically goes to a player from the winning nation, citing Argentina's Lionel Messi or France's stars as likely winners.
Kane's legacy and Tuchel's relief
Carragher argued that Kane has surpassed Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, and Wayne Rooney as England's greatest centre-forward, praising his ability to reinvent himself. He noted that Tuchel was 'saved' by Kane, saying, 'One of the true greats saved him, because that's what World Cups are about.' Tuchel himself compared Kane and other top strikers to 'sharks' who smell blood, and praised his team's determination: 'They showed up and we got a deserved win, even if it was a late one.'
What's next for England
England will face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca in the round of 16 on Monday. A potential quarter-final against Brazil or Norway awaits. Despite the win, Carragher's comments reflect widespread concern about England's form, though Kane's continued brilliance keeps faint hopes alive.
