Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to drag England to a nervy 2-1 victory over DR Congo, securing a place in the World Cup last 16 after a disastrous start. The Three Lions trailed from the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga beat Jordan Pickford at his near post for his first international goal.
First-half struggles
England had chances to respond through Jude Bellingham, but the Real Madrid midfielder saw two goal-bound headers saved by Lionel Mpasi. Harry Kane had a penalty shout waved away, while Yoane Wissa hit the post for DR Congo late in the first half. The England defence looked vulnerable throughout the opening period, with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi both at fault for the goal and nearly punished again.
Declan Rice, returning after missing the Panama match, showed rustiness with poorly taken set-pieces. Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford struggled to create chances from the flanks, with Rashford firing into the side-netting under no pressure early in the second half.
Second-half turnaround
Thomas Tuchel made changes on the hour-mark, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka. Gordon provided the dinked cross for Kane's headed equaliser in the 75th minute. With four minutes remaining, Kane rifled an unstoppable right-footed effort into the roof of the net to put England ahead.
Kane's double moved him joint-sixth on the all-time World Cup scorers list, one goal clear of Brazilian legend Pele. England will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca next Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Player ratings
Jordan Pickford (3) was largely at fault for the goal, beaten at his near post. Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: 'Pickford’s body weight is slightly leaning left… Cipenga slightly drags it to Pickford’s right and it’s a difficult moment for him.'
Djed Spence (3) was turned inside out by Cipenga and was replaced by Eberechi Eze. Ezri Konsa (4) and Marc Guehi (4) were poor, with Guehi missing a defensive header and lucky not to concede again. Nico O'Reilly (5) looked nervous. Declan Rice (4) was a shell of his usual self. Elliot Anderson (6) improved after a slow start. Jude Bellingham (7) was England's bright spark despite a booking and missed chances. Marcus Rashford (4) was taken off after 60 minutes. Noni Madueke (2) was woeful, overhitting crosses before being hauled off. Harry Kane (9) was the hero, scoring twice to spare his side's blushes.
Substitutes: Bukayo Saka (5) miscontrolled a ball out of play early on. Anthony Gordon (7) set up Kane's equaliser. Eberechi Eze (5) caused problems after replacing Spence. John Stones (5) had little time to impress.
