Alan Shearer has singled out just four England players as genuine bright spots from Saturday's 2-0 victory over Panama, casting doubt over the Three Lions' readiness for Wednesday's round of 16 encounter with DR Congo.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former England captain identified Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi as the sole positives from the group-stage finale.
"The positives today have been without a doubt Kane getting his goal. Bellingham getting his goal and assist. I thought Elliot Anderson in midfield was superb," Shearer said.
"I thought Marc Guehi used his pace at times to great effect when England were in one or two spots of bother."
Thomas Tuchel does not know his best England XI, reckons Alan Shearer
| GETTYThe lack of a settled starting eleven remains a pressing issue for Thomas Tuchel's squad as they prepare for the knockout stages.
Across 270 minutes of group football, the German manager has deployed nine different combinations of full-backs and wingers, utilising eight separate players in those positions.
Shearer believes this constant rotation stems from Tuchel's inability to find the right formula.
Injuries have certainly complicated matters, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah both sidelined at right-back, while Bukayo Saka has not been fully fit.
Yet the persistent shuffling has prevented England from posing a consistent attacking threat down the flanks, leaving the nation still uncertain about its strongest lineup three matches into the tournament.
England beat Panama 2-0 on Saturday night with goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham
| PAThe fragility at the back represents Shearer's primary worry heading into the Atlanta showdown.
England have appeared vulnerable whenever opponents have mounted attacks throughout all three group fixtures, conceding twice during a poor first-half display against Croatia before escaping punishment against Ghana and Panama despite shaky performances.
"And that will be what they have to work on because the further they go, if they give the chances they have today then they will be punished," Shearer warned.
Another reshaped defensive unit appears likely against DR Congo, with Djed Spence potentially continuing at right-back or Ezri Konsa shifting from centre-half, possibly allowing John Stones to partner Guehi if fitness permits.
Shearer has also raised concerns about Stones, questioning whether the defender might be carrying an injury after missing the previous two matches.
Superior opponents at later stages of the tournament will capitalise on such defensive lapses, Shearer cautioned, making recovery from errors increasingly difficult.
Yet the Newcastle legend retains faith in England's ability to progress, pointing to the match-winning quality of their leading performers.
England must step it up now they have reached the knockout stage, says Alan Shearer
|REUTERS
Bellingham's opening goal against Panama demonstrated his remarkable ability to conjure something from nothing, converting a corner that was not particularly well delivered through sheer strength, balance and skill.
"We still know we can rely on our big-hitters to step up and produce something brilliant to change the course of the game," Shearer observed.
DR Congo will likely adopt similar defensive tactics to Ghana and Panama, sitting deep before attempting to catch England on the counter-attack.Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE.