Harry Kane delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice to help England overturn an early deficit and beat DR Congo 2-1 in a tense FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash.
The dramatic comeback in Atlanta secured England’s place in the last 16, where they will face Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
According to AFP via Channels Television, England were pushed to the brink of a shocking elimination after DR Congo struck first through Brian Cipenga in the opening stages.
Cipenga capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home a low shot that slipped past Jordan Pickford, silencing the largely England-supporting crowd.
The early goal unsettled England, with Jude Bellingham visibly frustrated and booked during a heated first half. Lionel Mpasi also produced a string of impressive saves to deny England repeatedly before the break.
DR Congo nearly doubled their lead before half-time, but Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range.
England manager Thomas Tuchel responded in the second half with attacking substitutions, introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze to spark a comeback.
The changes paid off in the 75th minute when Gordon delivered a pinpoint cross for Kane, who powered in a header to level the score.
Kane completed the turnaround in the 86th minute, latching onto another Gordon assist before smashing a powerful effort into the roof of the net.
The brace took Kane’s World Cup tally to 13 goals and five in the 2026 tournament, strengthening his push for the Golden Boot.
While England advanced, their performance raised concerns ahead of a much tougher test against Mexico in the last 16.
For DR Congo, the defeat brought an emotional end to a remarkable World Cup journey. The Leopards exceeded expectations on their first appearance at the tournament in 52 years, producing one of the competition’s most memorable underdog stories.
