Gianni Infantino admits England beat DR Congo thanks to FIFA's new World Cup rule

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has admitted that England were greatly helped by the mandatory hydration breaks during their 2-1 win over DR Congo on Wednesday.

The Three Lions came from behind to book their place in the World Cup last-16 thanks to a late Harry Kane brace and they will face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium at 1am BST on Monday.

Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo into an early lead in the seventh minute after some questionable England defending and it wasn’t until the introduction of Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon that Thomas Tuchel’s side clicked into gear.

The decision to move Declan Rice to right-back and bring on Eberechi Eze in midfield also worked perfectly and England eventually avoided a humiliating exit after Kane nodded home an equaliser in the 75th minute after a cross from Gordon, before he smashed home the winner with a stunning strike just 11 minutes later.

Tuchel’s substitutions changed the game, but Infantino has admitted that England also benefitted from FIFA’s decision to introduce two mandatory hydration breaks during every World Cup match.

The match was played in an air-conditioned stadium, however two hydration breaks still occurred and this enabled Tuchel to implement much-needed tactical instruction from the bench.

Speaking after the game, Infantino said: “After an intense start to both halves, England used their hydration breaks well to regroup, re-organise and get on the front foot before finding the net twice in the final 15 minutes.

“These breaks are so important to give players a break during tournament play, while also allowing all coaches a dedicated moment in every match - not just depending on the weather conditions - to engage directly with their players.

“Overall, this was another fantastic Fifa World Cup contest involving two great teams - in a fantastic venue in Atlanta.”

What has Thomas Tuchel said?

Tuchel also agreed that the hydration break allowed him to impact the game. “I make the most of it,” he told reporters after the match.

“You know I don’t really love them. I enjoy football more when it plays out with momentum and players and teams have to find their way into it in these kinds of momentums. It is a free-flowing game that is more interrupted than I thought.

“But they are here, why would I not try and take advantage? I felt today it was easier today to speak to players, they were very calm, very receptive.

“Sometimes the water breaks can be a bit chaotic, everyone tries to encourage, everyone has a message, everyone tries to help. I felt them quite calm and quite focused in the key moments.”