Fifa chief Gianni Infantino praises England for using hated hydration breaks to pull off World Cup comeback vs DR Congo

ENGLAND’S Harry Kane-inspired DR Congo comeback was apparently fuelled by the water breaks. Swiss 56-year-old Fifa boss Gianni Infantino reckons the two hydration intervals, in the middle of both halves, helped Thomas Tuchel’s side finally find their flow. Livewire Brian Cipenga gave the underdogs a seventh-minute lead when England’s wingers refused to track back and our defence forgot how to defend. Jordan Pickford then let the angled shot rifle through him at his near post. But Tottenham legend and Munich goal machine Kane nodded in an equaliser and crashed home a corker to save the day and paper over the deepening cracks. However the controversial new breaks – that are allowing American TV broadcasts to run extra adverts – got the credit from Infantino. read more on world cup He 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.” WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Iconic England marksman Alan Shearer dislikes how the thirst quenchers dry up the momentum and atmosphere. Most read in Sport But he admitted a splash of aqua might have helped his old national side wake up. The BBC pundit said at half-time: “I don’t agree with them but it has come at the right time for England. “You can see Thomas Tuchel going around all his players because not one of them has put in a performance yet.” World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up. England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire. But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way. Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32. LATEST NEWS - BBC crashes as fans miss huge moment in DR Congo win - England fans go wild as Kane nets stunning double - Fans petrified to face Mexico in hostile stadium they have incredible record at - German icon blames Wags for World Cup exit KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. And German gaffer Tuchel confirmed that a bit of liquid inspiration helped him turn his team around. He said: “I make the most of it. “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.”