England's early deficit and shot drought raise World Cup doubts

In the World Cup round of 32, England found themselves trailing 0‑1 after a seventh‑minute strike by DR Congo, putting the Three Lions under immediate pressure. Adding to the anxiety, Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to register a single shot in the opening half hour, a rarity since 1966.

DR Congo opened the scoring in the seventh minute, leaving England with a 0‑1 deficit. The goal set the tone for a tense round‑of‑32 encounter.

England did not attempt a shot during the first 30 minutes of play. It marked the first World Cup match where the Three Lions went shotless for that period since the 1966 final.

The last time England fell behind in a World Cup match and still won was the 1966 final against Germany, which ended in a historic triumph. Since that victory, they have never secured a win after conceding first.

The early deficit and lack of attacking impetus have placed Thomas Tuchel’s men under intense scrutiny. The situation raises the spectre of a stunning elimination in the knockout stage.

If England cannot overturn the deficit, the match could become a cautionary tale of missed opportunities. The remainder of the game now hinges on how the Three Lions respond to the early adversity.