Thomas Tuchel has put Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on notice, warning the World Cup Golden Boot contenders that Harry Kane is “getting better”.
The England captain scored twice in the last 15 minutes against DR Congo, rescuing his nation from the jaws of defeat in the round of 32 showdown in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.
As such, Kane now has five goals at World Cup 2026, moving him third in the standings, level with Haaland and just one behind Mbappe and Messi, who is yet to play in this knockout round.
Kane's Golden Boot Ambitions
With 13 World Cup goals to his name, the Bayern Munich striker is very much in the race for the Golden Boot award, and his national manager believes there is more to come.
“He is getting better,” Tuchel said after the game as England came from behind to set up a last-16 tie with co-hosts Mexico. “That is what we expect from him. I think it is what he expects from himself. Difficult matches, close matches. Harry is here to decide them. Top level.”
England's Comeback Victory
Captain fantastic Harry Kane’s dramatic late goals saved England from World Cup humiliation against DR Congo. Tuchel praised the team's resilience after conceding an early goal.
“If everyone gets what they like, then everyone gets an early goal and another goal, then it's an easy afternoon. You have to deal with the situation as they come,” Tuchel said.
“It got very difficult because they got a very early goal, but I have to say, after the first water break, there were three, four, five big chances. I think we had a penalty situation maybe in our favour, and we kept knocking.”
Goalkeeper Heroics
Tuchel acknowledged the performance of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made several outstanding saves to keep England at bay.
“The goalkeeper had unbelievable saves, and it got more difficult. The reaction and belief was one of a kind. They were ready to keep doing what was necessary to do, and we found a way to win. Well deserved, by the way, well deserved,” he added.
