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  "path": "/2026/07/01/stuart-pearce-accuses-arsenal-star-giving-up-england-world-cup-win-29006329/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-01T21:46:13.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Football",
    "Sport",
    "Arsenal",
    "Democratic Republic of the Congo",
    "England men's football team",
    "Mexico football team",
    "Noni Madueke",
    "Stuart Pearce",
    "Thomas Tuchel",
    "World Cup",
    "England",
    "led for over an hour through Brian Cipenga’s early goal",
    "Harry Kane",
    "Anthony Gordon",
    "last-16 of the World Cup",
    "Sign up",
    "if they are to compete with the likes of France, Argentina and Brazil",
    "Bukayo Saka",
    "talkSPORT",
    "under a fitness cloud",
    "coming to the rescue yet again against DR Congo",
    "check our sport page",
    "Facebook",
    "Twitter",
    "Instagram",
    "Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source"
  ],
  "textContent": "Former England defender Stuart Pearce (Picture: Getty)\n\nStuart Pearce accused Arsenal winger Noni Madueke of ‘giving up’ during England’s World Cup win over DR Congo.\n\nThomas Tuchel’s side were heading for an embarrassing World Cup exit at the hands of DR Congo, who led for over an hour through Brian Cipenga’s early goal.\n\nBut England captain Harry Kane rescued his side with two late goals, heading home Anthony Gordon’s cross before smashing a winner home.\n\nKane’s heroics sent the Three Lions into the last-16 of the World Cup, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca.\n\n##  Don't miss a World Cup moment\n\nEngland updates, match previews and exclusive analysis. Get it all in our daily World Cup newsletter. Sign up.\n\nWhile through to the next round, the general consensus is that England will need to go up several levels if they are to compete with the likes of France, Argentina and Brazil and win their first World Cup in 60 years.\n\nMadueke was one of several England players who attracted criticism for his performance against DR Congo and former Three Lions boss Pearce was ‘really disappointed’ with the Arsenal winger.\n\nEx-Chelsea star Madueke started the match but was replaced by Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka with half an hour remaining after a subdued display.\n\nNoni Madueke during England’s narrow win (Picture: Getty)\n\n‘I’ve got to say I was really disappointed with Noni Madueke,’ Pearce said on talkSPORT as the Arsenal title winner was subbed off by Tuchel.\n\n‘I was impressed by him in the first half, I thought he was outstanding at times. But in the second half, I think he took the easy option, got tired and gave up.’\n\nSaka is way ahead of Madueke in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order but came into the World Cup under a fitness cloud.\n\nHarry Kane rescued England (Picture: Getty)\n\nOne area England seemingly do not need to worry about is up front with record goalscorer Kane coming to the rescue yet again against DR Congo.\n\nSpeaking after England’s last-32 win, the Bayern Munich striker said: ‘It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game.\n\n‘They are a tough team and then after that first break we were much better and their keeper made some unbelievable saves.\n\n‘We spoke about people having hero moments and it can be anyone. It was me today. There are still things to work on for sure and these rounds are just about getting through.\n\n‘We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind wins out, and that’s what we have done today. We are the same as every other nation.’\n\nTuchel paid tribute to ‘top level’ Kane after England reached the last-16, saying: ‘That is what we expect from him.\n\n‘I think it is what he expects from himself. Difficult matches, close matches. Harry is here to decide them. Top level.’\n\n**For more stories like this, check our sport page**.\n\n**Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on**Facebook,** Twitter and Instagram**.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "Stuart Pearce accuses Arsenal star of ‘giving up’ in England World Cup win"
}