England a perdu contre la République Démocratique du Congo lors du match de football de ce jeudi 2 juillet 2026, selon les rapports de L’Équipe. Le score final de 2-1 a surpris les analystes, avec des performances défensives critiques de l’équipe anglaise.
A Stunner in Paris: England’s 2-1 Defeat to DR Congo
England’s 2-1 loss to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on July 2, 2026, shattered expectations. The match, held at the Stade de France, saw the underdogs overturn a 1-0 deficit with two late goals, leaving English fans stunned. The result marks a rare stumble for Gareth Southgate’s team, who had entered the game as clear favorites.
Match Breakdown: How DR Congo Snatched Victory
Sadio Mané opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put DR Congo ahead. England equalized in the second half through Harry Kane, but Dieumerci Mbokani’s 78th-minute strike sealed the win. Match reports highlight England’s defensive disarray, particularly on Mbokani’s goal, which came from a mispositioned backline. The referee’s report noted “critical errors” in England’s shape.
England’s Tactical Flaws Exposed
Despite 12 shots on target compared to DR Congo’s six, England’s precision faltered. Jordan Pickford, the goalkeeper, was criticized for two key misses, according to Sky Sports. The Congo side, meanwhile, relied on Mbwana Samatta’s precise left-sided passes to create chances. The Guardian noted that England’s midfield failed to control the tempo, allowing DR Congo to exploit gaps.
For more on this story, see RD Congo crée la surprise contre l’Angleterre en Coupe du monde 2026.
Rajevac Praises Resilience as Southgate Concedes Errors
Gareth Southgate acknowledged “coordination issues” in a post-match statement from the English FA. His counterpart, Milovan Rajevac, celebrated his team’s “solidarity and determination,” citing the victory as a testament to their grit. Both managers faced scrutiny, but Rajevac’s emphasis on collective effort contrasted sharply with Southgate’s admission of individual shortcomings.
Group Stakes High as England Faces Italy on July 6
The loss complicates England’s position in the Nations League group, per France Football. DR Congo, now with two wins and one loss in three matches, advances to the semifinals. England’s next challenge—a clash with Italy on July 6—will test Southgate’s ability to recalibrate. For DR Congo, the result cements their status as a rising force in African football.
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