Ezri Konsa inconsistencies continue as English media react to showing vs DR Congo
Ezri Konsa has endured a difficult World Cup at the heart of England's defence so far.
Only Harry Kane has registered more minutes in an England shirt since Thomas Tuchel's arrival, with the Aston Villa defender a real favourite of the Three Lions boss.
This has been echoed since the 4-2 win against Croatia to open the tournament, with Konsa playing every minute.
But, things have hardly been easy for the 28-year-old, with the backline causing some serious problems for England.
They would beat DR Congo 2-1 at the round of 32 stage, despite never quite looking comfortable.
In the media reactions after the win, Konsa has unfortunately took a lot of criticism for what was a rather hectic England performance.
Strong reactions issued as Ezri Konsa slips up vs DR Congo
As DR Congo took the lead in the 7th minute, Konsa was at the heart of the crime scene alongside Jordan Pickford, who should have made a save at his near post.
This was echoed in The Guardian's player ratings, who handed him a 4/10.
In the verdict, the paper said: "Had a nightmare afternoon. Caught out for the opening goal, always looked panicked in possession."
This was backed up by The Telegraph, though they did go one point higher with the score.
"Got dragged out of position for the early goal, which left space for DR Congo to exploit with an extra man down the left." the verdict read.
"Good duels with opponents and threatened from set-pieces, although he did not know much about the chance that went just wide off his knee."
Following the theme of the day, Goal also echoed these thoughts, saying: "Poor decision to follow Wissa left space behind him that DR Congo took advantage of to score. Didn't look assured in much of what he did out of possession."
Following the win, England will have to prepare for a round of 16 clash with hosts Mexico.
Facing the in-form hosts, Konsa will have to be at a much higher level to cope with what will be a raucous Azteca.
Konsa tops charts in one area despite shaky England display
In possession, there are not many defenders out there better than Konsa.
The 28-year-old finished last season as the defender with the highest pass completion rate, and this attribute was on show again vs DR Congo - completing the most passes out of anyone on the pitch with 70.
He took 81 touches across the 90, misplacing just two passes as he was once again trusted as the man to build from the back.
It was a rather hectic performance in midfield, leaving both Konsa and Guehi vulnerable - emphasised by the defensive wobble from the Villa man.
But, Tuchel will likely see this as a blip, with Konsa bouncing back well to make five clearances and three recoveries as the Congolese continued to cause problems.