England recover from an early setback as Harry Kane’s brace secures a place in the last 16 against Mexico.
ATLANTA: When England needed a hero most, Harry Kane delivered.
The England captain produced a superb late double to rescue the Three Lions from the brink of a shock World Cup exit, inspiring a dramatic 2–1 comeback win over DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday and sending Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last 16.
England will now face a blockbuster last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on July 5 (local time), with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.
The match began disastrously for England, as Brian Cipenga stunned the favourites with a seventh-minute goal, silencing the Atlanta crowd and giving DR Congo hope of pulling off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Thomas Tuchel’s side fell behind in the seventh minute after Brian Cipenga opened the scoring, and remained on the back foot until the 75th minute when Harry Kane brought England level. The England captain then struck again in the 86th minute to complete a dramatic turnaround and seal victory.
England dominated possession and created numerous chances, but an inspired Lionel Mpasi repeatedly denied Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and the rest of England’s attack. DR Congo also came close to doubling their lead before halftime when Yoane Wissa struck the woodwork.
It marked the first time since 1986 that England have come from behind at half-time to win a World Cup match, as the Three Lions survived a major scare to reach the Round of 16.
The 1966 champions had never lost in their previous nine World Cup meetings with African opposition, and they preserved that record in Atlanta—though only just.
“It feels amazing, to be honest. What a crazy game,” Kane told BBC Sport after the match.
“They are a tough team, and after that first break we were much better, but their keeper made some unbelievable saves. We spoke about people having hero moments, and it can be anyone. Today it was me.
“We’ve spoken all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to improve, but at this stage of the tournament it’s all about getting through. We are in the part of the competition where you have to grind out wins, and that’s what we’ve done today,” Kane added.
Germany, Netherlands crash out
After Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated in the knockout stage of the World Cup, England looked set to join them in an early exit as they trailed past the hour mark.
They created numerous chances in the second half but were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced several outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest until the closing stages.
DR Congo, playing their first-ever World Cup knockout match, made a dream start after seven minutes through Brian Cipenga’s first international goal.
A crossfield pass from the right was flicked on by Chancel Mbemba to Cipenga, who found himself unmarked on the left side of the box and fired a low shot past Jordan Pickford at his near post.
England took time to settle but gradually responded, carving out a number of clear opportunities.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced superb saves to deny two Jude Bellingham headers and keep England at bay.
In between, Noni Madueke’s run into the box created a chance for Marcus Rashford at the far post, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared off the line. Then, just before half-time, Mpasi blocked Harry Kane’s close-range volley following a corner.
England fight back
At the other end, DR Congo nearly doubled their lead when Yoane Wissa turned Wan-Bissaka’s low cross onto the post.
England’s turnaround was sparked by Thomas Tuchel’s tactical changes on the wings, with substitute Anthony Gordon crossing for Kane to head in his 12th World Cup finals goal. Kane then added a second—his 13th at the tournament—turning past his marker and firing an unstoppable finish inside the near post to complete the comeback.
