DR Congo coach: England needed 'best striker in the world' to win

Despite their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, DR Congo's coach Sébastien Desabre lauded his team's performance in their 2-1 defeat to England. The Congolese team took an early lead with a goal from Brian Cipenga in the 10th minute. However, Harry Kane's late brace in the 75th and 86th minutes secured England's comeback and advancement.

"They had to resort to the best striker in the world to come back," Desabre stated in a press conference, emphasizing the difficulty England faced. He felt his team executed their plan well, particularly with a 3-5-2 formation that proved effective offensively, creating chances that unsettled England. "We did what we had to do and we were close. This is already a victory in itself," he added.

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They had to resort to the best striker in the world to come back. We did what we had to do and we were close. This is already a victory in itself.

Desabre also pointed to the team's overall development throughout the tournament as a major success. "When you represent your country's national team, you have to leave something behind, and everyone saw today that Congolese football has reached a good level," he remarked. The coach's comments underscore a sense of pride and progress for DR Congo's football program, even in defeat.

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When you represent your country's national team, you have to leave something behind, and everyone saw today that Congolese football has reached a good level.