Harry Kane once again proved to be England's Captain Marvel, dragging his team to a nervy 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the World Cup last 32. The Three Lions fell behind early when Brian Cipenga fired past Jordan Pickford at his near post, exposing defensive frailties that have plagued Thomas Tuchel's side.
Early Setback and Defensive Concerns
England got off to the worst possible start as Cipenga's strike stunned the team. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice made their frustrations clear as the underdogs threatened to double their lead. Yoann Wissa could have made it 2-0 but his effort clipped the outside of the post. The hydration break came at the right time for Tuchel, and England improved afterward, but first-half hopes were thwarted by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made a string of miraculous saves.
Controversial Penalty Decision
Mpasi had his heart in his mouth when Kane knocked the ball past him and made contact with his trailing leg. After a lengthy VAR check, referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away protests, much to the dismay of the England captain. Calls for patience at halftime went unheeded as England struggled to find a way back, despite chances for Marcus Rashford and Bellingham.
Kane to the Rescue
When England needed a hero, their greatest ever goalscorer stepped forward. With 15 minutes left, Kane headed home from Anthony Gordon's cross, then lashed in a stunning second in the 86th minute. It was his 12th and 13th World Cup goals for England, cementing his legendary status. England will need to improve if they are to beat Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday night, but for now, relief is the overriding emotion.
Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford: 4 – Should not have been beaten at the near post. A poor World Cup overall. Djed Spence: 4 – Struggled in a struggling team. Ezri Konsa: 5 – Went close to equalising with a deflected effort but was exposed defensively. Marc Guehi: 5 – Did not look on the same wavelength as Konsa. Nico O'Reilly: 5 – Did not overlap or perform at his Man City level. Declan Rice: 7 – Improved significantly when switched to right back. Elliot Anderson: 6 – Struggled for an hour before improving. Noni Madueke: 4 – Hooked after an hour with little impact. Jude Bellingham: 7 – Denied twice by headers and produced a stunning save. Marcus Rashford: 5 – Substituted for Gordon after failing to offer enough. Harry Kane: 8 – Stepped up with two crucial goals.
Substitutes
Bukayo Saka (for Madueke, 61 mins): 7 – Provided a spark. Anthony Gordon (for Rashford, 61 mins): 7 – Huge performance that swung the game. Eberechi Eze (for Spence, 71 mins): 6 – Positive and impressive. John Stones (for Rice, 90 mins): N/A.
