![Photo by [email protected] - Depositphotos](https://sportbursts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/depositphotos_anderson_elliot-960x560.jpg "Elliot Anderson Praises DR Congo Goalkeeper’s Outstanding Performance")
England midfielder Elliot Anderson reflected on the 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup during an interview with the BBC.
“It was a good but incredibly tough match. We fully understood the game plan the opponents would adopt, and they executed it exactly as expected. Their defensive setup was extremely difficult to break down. In such a situation, all we could do was stick together, maintain our structure, and stay committed to our approach until the final whistle. Fortunately, that persistence paid off, and we advanced,” Anderson explained.
He emphasized the importance of the team’s top-level players in crucial moments. “We definitely have players capable of performing at the highest level in big matches, and in these situations, the whole team relies on their individual quality. However, as midfielders, our job is to build a solid foundation, disrupt the opponent’s counterattacks, and deliver the ball to our attacking leaders in the final third so they can do their work.”
Anderson admitted that England improved as the match progressed. “I have to admit, the first twenty minutes were frankly poor from us, but then the game evened out, and we looked very solid. The only issue for a long time was finishing chances – the opposing goalkeeper was simply outstanding today,” he said.
Looking ahead, England will face Mexico in the quarterfinals. This match is scheduled for 6 July with kickoff at 00:00 UTC.
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