England set up DR Congo clash as Clarke leaves Scotland

Summary of England set up DR Congo clash as Clarke leaves Scotland

by The Athletic

44m•June 28, 2026
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Overview of England set up DR Congo clash as Clarke leaves Scotland

This episode of The Totally Football Show looks back on the final day of the World Cup group stage, with England qualifying top of their group, DR Congo making history, Argentina and Algeria-Austria delivering late drama, and Scotland’s elimination triggering Steve Clarke’s resignation. The panel also walks through the newly set round-of-32 bracket and debates which teams look strongest heading into the knockouts.

Key Results and Stories

England beat Panama, top their group

  • England defeated Panama 2-0 to finish first in their group and set up a round-of-32 tie with DR Congo in Atlanta.
  • Jude Bellingham opened the scoring from a corner, and Harry Kane added a second after combining with Bellingham.
  • The panel felt England were better than in their previous match, but still not fully convincing:
    • more invention in attack
    • still some defensive vulnerability
    • Panama were dogged and organized despite already being eliminated
  • Positives highlighted:
    • Bellingham’s influence
    • Kane’s record-setting World Cup scoring form
    • improved contributions from substitutes and wider players

DR Congo make the knockout stage for the first time

  • DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to reach the knockout rounds for the first time ever.
  • The game featured:
    • a brilliant early goal from Eldor Shomurodov
    • a penalty after a defensive error by Abdukodir Khusanov
    • late goals that turned the match in Congo’s favor
  • The hosts noted that several DR Congo players have experience in European football, which could make them a dangerous opponent for England.

Colombia and Portugal draw in a physical, high-profile match

  • Colombia and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw in hot, humid Miami.
  • Colombia were the better side overall and created more chances.
  • Key talking points:
    • James Rodríguez looked revived in a deeper, more creative role
    • Cristiano Ronaldo had a quieter game and didn’t dominate as much as in earlier matches
    • Portugal looked less convincing than in previous fixtures
  • Colombia finished top of the group and will face Ghana in the next round.

Argentina cruise, then Messi adds the finishing touch

  • Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in their dead-rubber group game.
  • With Lionel Messi initially on the bench, Argentina still looked composed and fluent.
  • Goals came from:
    • Giovani Lo Celso
    • Lautaro Martínez
    • Messi, who came on and scored a trademark free kick
  • The panel emphasized how comfortable Argentina look as a unit and suggested their path to the latter stages appears favorable.

Algeria and Austria play out a dramatic 3-3 draw

  • One of the most entertaining matches of the tournament ended 3-3, with both teams progressing.
  • The game included:
    • multiple lead changes
    • a late flurry of tension after it looked like both sides might settle into a mutually beneficial draw
    • a stoppage-time equalizer that stunned the panel
  • It was described as going from potentially suspiciously routine to one of the best games of the tournament.

Scotland’s exit leads to Steve Clarke’s resignation

  • Scotland were eliminated, and Steve Clarke resigned shortly after, despite having recently signed a new four-year deal.
  • Phil Hay joined to explain that:
    • the decision was not a surprise
    • Clarke had done important work by qualifying Scotland for major tournaments
    • but the team’s tournament performances were too flat and too limited
  • The discussion turned to what Scotland need next:
    • a broader review of national team development
    • possible outside candidates such as Ange Postecoglou
    • questions over whether Scotland should look beyond domestic options

Tournament Takeaways

England’s path is manageable, but not risk-free

  • England avoided a potentially tougher route and now face DR Congo.
  • The panel believes England should have enough quality to progress, but their defensive issues remain a concern.

Colombia and Argentina look strong

  • Colombia were praised for their intensity, balance, and James Rodríguez’s adaptation.
  • Argentina were described as looking like a team with real familiarity and confidence, especially in possession.

The group stage was unusually open and entertaining

  • The new 48-team format and third-place qualifying rules kept many matches alive deep into the groups.
  • The presenters argued the group stage delivered:
    • more meaningful late-game drama
    • strong performances from star players
    • unusually high entertainment value across the board

Notable Insights

“Get the ball right, get the goals right”

  • The panel repeatedly returned to the quality of the tournament ball, noting the volume and variety of goals.
  • Their broader point: the World Cup has delivered a strong mix of star power, good matches, and memorable moments.

Bellingham and Kane remain England’s game-changers

  • Even when England are not at their best, those two can swing matches.
  • The episode argues that England’s ceiling is still determined by how well those key players perform together.

James Rodríguez has adapted well

  • Rather than trying to be the same player he was in 2014, Rodríguez has evolved into a deeper creator.
  • The panel saw that as a sign of football intelligence and maturity.

Bottom Line

This episode is a fast-paced, entertaining wrap of the World Cup group stage: England advance but still raise questions, DR Congo and Colombia emerge as compelling knockout threats, Argentina continue to look polished, and Scotland’s campaign ends with a managerial exit that feels like the start of a bigger reset.