Harry Kane scored a late double to salvage a 2-1 victory for England against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the World Cup last 32, sparing the blushes of a disjointed performance. The England captain struck twice in the closing stages to overturn a deficit created by Brian Cipenga's first-half opener.
England Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford – 5: Got a hand to Cipenga's strike but could have done better. Will be relieved that England rescued themselves.
Djed Spence – 4: Must take some blame for the goal and general confusion in defence. Offered occasional threat in attack.
Ezri Konsa – 4: Had a nightmare afternoon. Caught out for the opening goal, always looked panicked in possession.
Marc Guéhi – 7: The only England defender who seems comfortable on the ball. Time for a new partner?
Nico O'Reilly – 5: Made far too many basic mistakes, not a defender. His future must be further up the pitch.
Elliot Anderson – 7: Often found himself outnumbered in midfield but found his rhythm and came close to scoring.
Declan Rice – 5: Struggled to impose himself on proceedings until moving to right-back. Poor delivery from set pieces.
Noni Madueke – 5: Lacked end product when it matters despite promising moments. Was a spectator for opening goal.
Jude Bellingham – 8: Will still be wondering how he didn't score after having three efforts saved. But played his part in comeback.
Marcus Rashford – 3: Summed up England's awful start by miscontrolling ball out of play. Last contribution was a terrible cross.
Harry Kane – 9: England's saviour yet again. Where would Thomas Tuchel be without his captain? Probably out of a job.
Substitutes
Bukayo Saka (for Madueke 60) – 7: A slow start but looked dangerous with a couple of runs. Has to start against Mexico.
Anthony Gordon (for Rashford 60) – 9: Two assists off the bench showed why he is joining Barcelona next season.
Eberechi Eze (for Spence 70) – 7: Exerted his influence as England chased the game.
John Stones (for Rice 90) – 6: Late sub as England saw out win.
Democratic Republic of Congo Player Ratings
Lionel Mpasi – 8: Three brilliant saves in first half and another from Bellingham. But will be disappointed not to have stopped Kane's first.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8: The Croydon-born right-back produced a brilliant goalline clearance and was dangerous in attack.
Axel Tuanzebe – 7: Rashford's old school friend was a towering presence in the heart of the DRC's defence and made some key blocks.
Chancel Mbemba – 6: Brilliant pass to set up Cipenga's goal and kept Kane quiet for most of the game. But not long enough.
Arthur Masuaku – 6: The former West Ham defender kept Madueke relatively quiet but struggled against Saka when he came on.
Nathanaël Mbuku – 7: A lively presence down the right flank. He almost scored just before being taken off.
Ngal'ayel Mukau – 8: More than played his part in the DRC's physical approach. The Lille midfielder looks to have a bright future.
Samuel Moutoussamy – 7: The powerhouse with a distinctive haircut was a formidable obstacle, although tired in the second half.
Noah Sadiki – 8: The Sunderland midfielder was everywhere. No wonder all the big clubs in the Premier League have been looking at him.
Brian Cipenga – 8: What a performance. Took his goal brilliantly and just about landed the back-flip celebration.
Yoane Wissa – 6: Had a golden chance to make it 2-0 in the first half but couldn't take it. Proved to be a pivotal moment.
Substitutes
Meschack Elia (for Mbuku 64) – 6: Showed raw pace in first duel with O'Reilly.
Théo Bongonda (for Cipenga 75) – 5: Little impact after replacing goalscorer.
Edo Kayembe (for Mukua 75) – 5: Tried to inject some energy into tired legs.
Joris Kayembe (for Moutoussamy 89) – 5: Came on as the DRC chased the game.
Fiston Mayele (for Masuaku 89) – 6: A late attacking substitute.
