Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages to spare England’s blushes as the Three Lions came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and book a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16.
Gatekeepers News reports that Thomas Tuchel’s side looked set for one of England’s most shocking World Cup exits after Brian Cipenga’s early strike handed the Leopards a deserved lead and left the tournament favourites on the brink of elimination.
However, England captain Kane once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to keep alive his country’s hopes of ending a 60-year wait for a major international trophy.
England will now face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Sunday’s round-of-16 clash but will need a much-improved performance to progress further.
The two-goal display took Kane’s World Cup tally to 13 goals, while his five goals at this tournament keep him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot.
For DR Congo, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable World Cup campaign. Making their first appearance at the tournament in 52 years, the Leopards had already made history by registering their first World Cup goal, first point and first qualification for the knockout stage before pushing one of the competition’s favourites to the limit.
Tuchel made two changes to the side that defeated Panama, recalling Declan Rice in midfield and handing Djed Spence a start at right-back after injuries ruled out Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
The decision came under immediate pressure as Congo exploited England’s right flank to open the scoring. Chancel Mbemba’s cross caught Spence out of position, allowing Brian Cipenga to fire a low effort past Jordan Pickford, who was unable to keep the shot out at his near post.
The early setback visibly unsettled England as Jude Bellingham picked up a yellow card before engaging in a heated exchange with Tuchel during the first-half hydration break.
England gradually regained control, with Bellingham forcing Lionel Mpasi into an excellent save with a powerful header before Marcus Rashford saw his effort cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka following an impressive run from Noni Madueke.
DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before the interval when Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range. At the other end, Kane was denied a penalty after going down under pressure from Mpasi, while the Congolese goalkeeper produced further fine saves to keep out headers from Bellingham and Kane before halftime.
England struggled to break down the resilient Congolese defence after the restart until Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in search of a breakthrough.
The substitutions proved decisive. Gordon delivered the cross that Kane powered home with a downward header in the 75th minute to restore parity.
The Newcastle winger turned provider again four minutes from time, setting up Kane, who unleashed a powerful strike into the roof of the net to seal England’s dramatic comeback and his 84th international goal.
