England were 16 minutes away from a shock World Cup exit before a Harry Kane double in quick succession secured their place in the last 16. However, Stuart Pearce criticised Noni Madueke’s mindset.
Madueke started England’s Round-of-32 clash against DR Congo, but was hooked just before the second hydration break for Arsenal colleague Bukayo Saka after a poor display on the right wing.
Thomas Tuchel had to make immediate changes to reignite an England squad who were heading home after being 1-0 down to DR Congo. Marcus Rashford was replaced by Anthony Gordron, who played a vital role in both of England’s goals, and Saka stepped in for Madueke.
Shortly after Madueke left the pitch, Stuart Pearce confessed he was ‘disappointed’ with the Premier League winner’s performance.
On talkSPORT’s World Cup GameDay Live, Pearce said: “I’ve got to say I’m really disappointed with Madueke.
“Outstanding with him in the first half, but in the second half, I think he took the easy option, got tired and gave up.”
However, moments later Tuchel’s substitutions worked a treat. A delightful cross from Anthony Gordon left Harry Kane in a dangerous position, as his powerful header left Lionel Mpasi with no chance in the DR Congo goal.
Just 10 minutes later, Gordon and Kane combined which doubled England’s scoring for the evening and kept the Three Lions in the tournament after what was a shaky 75 minutes prior to the two goals.
England face Mexico in the famous Azteca in the Round-of-16 on early Monday morning.