Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterWayne Rooney believes England are in 'big trouble' if they don't put in a better performance against Mexico on Sunday.Thomas Tuchel's side were dreadful for long spells of each half against unfancied DR Congo, and deservedly went behind just seven minutes in..Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes off assists from substitute Anthony Gordon to put England through in the end - but a repeat performance in hostile territory in the next round could well spell curtains for them.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1k'There are just no connections' - Wayne Rooney hits out at rubbish England performanceFormer England striker Rooney knows all too well what it is like to play in an underperforming Three Lions side on the biggest stage.But that did not stop him from slating the current generation of talents after a predominantly laboured, sloppy performance in which the back four struggled and both starting wingers, Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke, were especially poor. You may like England 2-1 DR Congo live: Battle for the last 16 as Harry Kane breaks Leopards' defensive resilience Wayne Rooney demands one thing from Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham to help England break Ghana down England World Cup 2026 Squad: Thomas Tuchels team make final preparations ahead of final group game vs Panama with O'Reilly and Rashford in contention to start Speaking on the BBC, Rooney said: "For me there are big concerns. We are all delighted England have gone through - but in particular, when England lose the ball, they are so open."Against a better team I think we are in big trouble if we don't sort that out.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."The connection isn't great between the backline and midfield, the full-backs are struggling, [Noni] Madueke struggled."'There are just no connections and big gaps in the middle of the pitch and that is a big worry for me."He [Tuchel] really needs to look at that otherwise we will go out."Tuchel clearly has a lot to think about as he prepares his side to travel to Estadio Azteca for what amounts to an away game against the World Cup co-hosts on Sunday at 6pm local time (1am UK time).The winners of that game will go on to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarter-finals the following Saturday.Mexico have been impressive so far this summer, maintaining a 100% record throughout the group stage and round of 32 without conceding a single goal.TOPICSWayne RooneyThomas TuchelEnglandWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
