Sunday 28 June 2026

Thomas Tuchel has made a huge mistake that could cost England World Cup glory

WATCH NOW: England fans pleased after win over Panama

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 28/06/2026

- 10:14

ANALYSIS: GB News Sports Editor Jack Otway takes a look at four talking points following Saturday night's 2-0 victory

England have made it through to the knockout stages of the World Cup as group winners following their 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday night.

The Three Lions were, in the first half at least, just as uninspiring as they were against Ghana earlier in the week with Thomas Tuchel's men struggling for consistency.


But goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane after the break secured victory, setting up a crunch clash with DR Congo on Wednesday.

For England, the win is what counts.

They remain unbeaten in the tournament and with a favourable tie up next, will fancy their chances of reaching the round of 16.

GB News will now take a look at four talking points from the fixture.

1) Tuchel has made a huge mistake

Jarrell Quansah faces an anxious wait after being forced out of England's World Cup match with PanamaJarrell Quansah faces an anxious wait after being forced out of England's World Cup match with Panama | PA

While England won, there is concern for young defender Jarrell Quansah.

The Bayern Munich defender started in the absence of the injured Reece James but lasted just 59 minutes before going off with an issue himself.

With England already short at right-back following the withdrawal of Tino Livramento shortly before the tournament, it gives Tuchel a dilemma.

And it also makes his decision to overlook Trent Alexander-Arnold the wrong one, too.

England Panama graphicMatch stats from England's 2-0 win over Panama at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS

There was always going to be some sort of problem with James, who has been plagued by problems in recent years.

And England are certainly lacking strength in depth in that department at the current moment in time.

Quansah is a centre-back by trade and was played out of his natural position. That, alone, suggests the Three Lions have left themselves short.

With England now facing the possibility of being without their only two right-backs, a fully fit Alexander-Arnold will be wondering what could have been.

2) Bellingham's brilliance shows he's England's main man

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring for England against Panama at the World CupJude Bellingham celebrates scoring for England against Panama at the World Cup | PA

When England needed inspiration on a tense night, it was Jude Bellingham who stood up to be counted.

The Real Madrid superstar was a cut above the rest, driving the team forward from midfield and breaking the deadlock when frustration was beginning to mount.

It is now clearer than ever that Bellingham, not Harry Kane, is the true heartbeat of this side.

He plays with a maturity that belies his years, and his ability to drag the Three Lions through difficult periods is reminiscent of a young Wayne Rooney or Bryan Robson.

If England are to go all the way and lift the trophy, they will need their talismanic midfielder to stay fit and firing.

On this evidence, everything good about Tuchel’s team goes through him.

3) Kane puts Ghana disaster behind him

Harry Kane now has 11 World Cup goals after netting in England's victory over PanamaHarry Kane now has 11 World Cup goals after netting in England's victory over Panama | PA

Harry Kane came into the Panama clash under immense pressure after a truly anonymous performance against Ghana.

Critics were sharpening their knives, with some even suggesting the captain should be dropped in favour of fresher legs.

But Kane did what he does best: silenced the doubters.

His second-half goal was a classic poacher’s finish, showcasing the elite instincts that have made him England's all-time record goalscorer.

It wasn't a perfect performance, and he still looks a yard slower than usual, but finding the back of the net will do wonders for his confidence.

If the Three Lions are to conquer the world, they need their skipper at the peak of his powers.

4) England must improve from here

England must get better from here if they're to win the World Cup and end 60 years of hurt

England must get better from here if they're to win the World Cup and end 60 years of hurt

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GETTY

While seven points and top spot in the group looks great on paper, nobody should be fooled by the scorelines.

England’s first-half displays against both Ghana and Panama were particularly lethargic, characterised by slow passing and a distinct lack of creativity.

Against better opposition, Tuchel's side would have been severely punished.

DR Congo will provide a unique, physical test on Wednesday, and the knockout rounds leave absolutely no margin for error.

The Three Lions have the talent to go all the way, but they must find another gear quickly.

Pragmatism can only take you so far. If England want World Cup glory, the handbrakes need to come off.