Danny Murphy has insisted that England are 'in a good place' heading into the World Cup knockout stages, but believes their chances of victory hinge on captain Harry Kane. The former Liverpool and England midfielder made the claim after the Three Lions secured a 2-0 win over Panama, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Kane in the second half.
England top group despite unconvincing displays
England progressed as group winners after a mixed set of performances, and will now face DR Congo in the round of 32. A potential quarter-final against co-hosts Mexico awaits if they advance. Murphy acknowledged the team needs to improve but backed them to rise to the occasion against stronger opponents.
'I think it's hard judging the group games because of the level of opposition that you play and the different styles,' Murphy told the BBC. 'I think it will suit us against the better teams when there's more space with our dynamic players. There's not that much to improve, I think sometimes in the final third against packed defences we need a bit more quality and speed in the play.'
Murphy identifies Kane as key man
With Bellingham and Kane both in goalscoring form, England boast two genuine matchwinners. However, Murphy singled out the skipper as the player who gives England a genuine chance of going all the way. 'Two outstanding players for me, Bellingham over the last couple of tournaments has been our best player. They are big game players and so often take responsibility,' he said.
'Bellingham was playing in a different role today but it doesn't matter, he's got that confidence and belief in himself. He makes big moments and he makes magic happen and he's a wonderful talent. Kane, we expect him to score every time he plays and he more or less does and that's why he's the captain and the greatest goalscorer we've ever had and that's why we've got a chance of winning the World Cup.'
Warning over DR Congo threat
Murphy also issued a word of caution ahead of the last-32 tie, having watched DR Congo frustrate Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in a 1-1 draw. 'It's not as dangerous as Senegal, I think they've got more quality forward players. The expectation of the nation can affect players we've seen that at previous tournaments. I think we'll have too much for them but we've got to be careful they've got some talented players. They are defensively well organised, Portugal struggled to create chances against them.'
England are aiming to end a 60-year wait for a men's major trophy, and Murphy believes they are on the right track under Thomas Tuchel, despite some defensive vulnerabilities. 'If you're going to play on the front foot which Tuchel wants us to do then you are occasionally going to get caught on the break, you are going to concede some chances so I quite like where England are at. Maybe a little problem at right-back depending on how long Reece James takes to get back but I quite like where England are.'
