Prince William joked it was “never in doubt” as England pulled off a late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo and advance to the last 16 of the World Cup. The match at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia saw the African side take a shock lead when Brian Cipenga scored after just seven minutes.
England captain Harry Kane levelled the score in the 75th minute with a header before firing home the winner in the 86th minute, sparking relief and delight among fans back home.
Royal Reaction and Celebrity Support
William, patron of the Football Association, posted a tongue-in-cheek tribute on Instagram alongside a winking emoji, writing: “Never in doubt… well done England! Onto the next! W.”
After the win, fans in the stadium serenaded the squad with a rendition of the Oasis hit “Wonderwall”. The band’s frontman, Liam Gallagher, posted on social media: “Cmon England cmon Wonderwall”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also weighed in, suggesting the victory could lead to England winning the World Cup. “It might actually be coming home,” he wrote on X.
Next Match Against Mexico
The win sets up a last-16 tie on Sunday against co-hosts Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium, one of world football’s most famous venues. England fans are already looking ahead with a mix of confidence and anxiety.
Supporter Dave Simmons, from Penrith, Cumbria, described himself as “shot to pieces” after the nervy win. He told the Press Association: “It’s the normal, stressful England situation isn’t it? Kane is fantastic in the box but you’ve got to get him in the box. We were struggling for 60-odd minutes there and we got a break. The keeper made four wonderful saves but he screwed it up for the equaliser. Then, what a finish. Come on Harry Kane.”
Asked if he was nervous at half-time when England were 1-0 down, Simmons said: “A few nerves? I’m shot to pieces. But that’s what you get with England, my voice is nearly gone. We’ve only got to do it three or four more times and then we’ve won the World Cup.”
Fan Reactions and Concerns
Spencer Dalby, 21, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, expressed frustration at England’s slow start but optimism for the future. “What annoys me about England is it takes so much time to tap into the belief. Once we tap into the belief and the passion and the positive attitude – look at us, we’re unstoppable. But you’ve seen it in the first and second game – we’re stale, we sit back. Then, all of a sudden, we turn our engine on and look at us now, we’re going all the way – honestly – and I’m going all the way as well. My finances are in ruin – my grandma will be getting a phone call in a minute – ‘can I borrow £4,000 for a World Cup final ticket?’”
Tony Woods, from St Helens, Merseyside, believes England will beat Mexico but admitted he is “worried” after watching them play. He told the Press Association: “We struggled first half but once Harry got that one (goal), there was only one winner wasn’t there? Do you know what, I watched Mexico last night and was a bit worried. But I just think we’ve got a bit of dog in us and we’ll do it. I wouldn’t say I’m not nervous, but I think we’ll do it 2-1 against Mexico, no problem.”
Back Home Celebrations
Back in England, many fans slipped away from work early to watch the match. At a Wembley watch party, Stuart Stevens, 36, called England’s defence “shocking” at half-time. He said: “That was the best England that we had in a while and they’re playing crap together.”
A big cheer went up inside the Wembley Boxpark when Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon were subbed on early in the second half. As the final whistle blew, an Oasis cover band took to the stage to belt out the anthem.
Barry Hearst, 48, declared England’s victory was “never in doubt” and credited the much-maligned hydration breaks for helping England after they “struggled” in the first half. He said: “There was boos from the England fans but I think yeah it definitely helped us.”
