Harry Kane scored twice in the final 22 minutes to rescue England from a humiliating World Cup exit against a superb DR Congo side, setting up a mouthwatering last-16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. The England captain's brace at Atlanta Stadium overturned Brian Cipenga's opener and saved the Three Lions from what would have been perhaps their most humiliating major tournament exit.
Kane's Heroics Deny DR Congo Historic Win
DR Congo, appearing at their first World Cup for 52 years, had drawn with Portugal and pushed Colombia to reach the knockout stages for the first time. They looked set to make more history when Cipenga fired past Jordan Pickford at his near post for his first international goal after 22 minutes, capitalising on poor defending from Noni Madueke and Djed Spence.
England trailed for 68 minutes before Kane equalised. The captain, making his 91st appearance to surpass Billy Wright and Bobby Moore as England's most-capped captain, rose highest to head home substitute Anthony Gordon's clipped cross. His second, also assisted by Gordon, saw him turn his marker and hammer home to seal a 2-1 victory.
England's Catalogue of Missed Chances
England dominated possession and created numerous opportunities but were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Jude Bellingham saw headers pushed clear, Marcus Rashford hit the side netting, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka blocked a Rashford effort on the line. Kane was denied a first-half penalty after being felled by Mpasi, which the referee deemed he had been looking for.
England's victory ended a run of 13 World Cup games in which conceding the first goal had resulted in defeat. For the first time since the 1966 final, they trailed and won. Thomas Tuchel's side now face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the round of 16.
Stern Questions Answered
DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre, a former florist, had said pre-match: "We have already achieved our goals in this tournament. They have a long way to go to achieve theirs." His side pushed England close but ultimately fell to Kane's quality. The England captain has now scored more World Cup goals than Pele, with only five men in history scoring more.
England's performance drew boos from fans during a first-half hydration break, and Jude Bellingham was booked for a frustrated challenge. But Kane's enduring brilliance ensured the Three Lions live to fight another day.
