🦁⚠️ Spanish Press Tear Into England’s World Cup Hopes After Harry Kane Rescue Act

England may have survived their World Cup scare against DR Congo, but the reaction from Spain suggests the Three Lions have not convinced everyone.

Thomas Tuchel’s side booked their place in the last 16 with a tense 2-1 comeback victory in Atlanta, thanks to two late goals from Harry Kane. On paper, England are still alive. In reality, the performance has raised uncomfortable questions.

DR Congo stunned England early through Brian Cipenga, leaving one of the tournament favourites chasing the game and looking far less composed than many expected. For long spells, England struggled to break down a disciplined and fearless opponent.

Then Kane did what Kane does.

The captain struck twice in the final stages to drag England back from the edge and send them into a huge last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico. Anthony Gordon also played a vital role after coming off the bench, providing the spark England had been missing.

But while English fans breathed a sigh of relief, parts of the Spanish media were much less forgiving.

Reports in Spain suggested England looked more like a team surviving on individual brilliance than one ready to dominate the World Cup. The message was clear: a late Kane rescue act might beat DR Congo, but it may not be enough against the elite nations still standing.

Some criticism focused on England’s lack of rhythm, slow build-up play and defensive vulnerability. Others pointed out that if a genuine contender needs to be saved so late in a knockout match against an underdog, then bigger problems may be hiding underneath the result.

That verdict will sting because England entered the tournament with huge expectations. With Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and a squad packed with Premier League quality, anything short of a deep run would feel like a failure.

Tuchel will argue that knockout football is about finding a way through.

And England did exactly that.

But the Spanish press appear unconvinced.

For now, England march on to face Mexico.

Yet after this nervy escape, one question is getting louder: are the Three Lions true contenders — or simply one Harry Kane moment away from disaster?