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Harry Kane rescued England from a seismic World Cup shock with two late goals to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday, securing their place in the last 16.
England, who are chasing their first major international title since 1966, looked set for one of their most disappointing World Cup exits after Brian Cipenga’s early strike put DR Congo ahead.
However, captain Kane rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side with two late goals to send the Three Lions through to a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday.
The goals took Kane’s World Cup tally to 13 and lifted him to five goals in the ongoing tournament, keeping him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot.
Reflecting on the comeback, Kane said England had to remain patient despite the difficult start. He credited DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi for an outstanding display in the first half but said the team believed their chances would eventually come if they continued pressing.
“What a crazy game, obviously,” said Kane.
“I think you have to stay patient in these games.
“Their keeper definitely made some unbelievable saves in that first half. And it was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock, and our moments will come,” he added.
The defeat ended DR Congo’s impressive return to the World Cup, their first appearance in 52 years.
Having failed to score or earn a point in their previous World Cup campaigns, the Leopards exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stage and pushing one of the tournament favourites to the brink of elimination.
Tuchel made two changes to the side that defeated Panama, recalling Declan Rice in midfield and handing Djed Spence a start at right-back after injuries ruled out Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
England’s makeshift defence was exposed early as DR Congo capitalised down the right flank. Chancel Mbemba’s cross found Cipenga, whose low strike beat Jordan Pickford at the goalkeeper’s near post.
The goal stunned the predominantly England-supporting crowd of nearly 70,000 and unsettled Tuchel’s players.
Jude Bellingham was booked for a reckless challenge before appearing to exchange heated words with Tuchel during a scheduled hydration break.
England gradually settled, with Bellingham forcing Mpasi into action with a powerful header before Marcus Rashford saw an effort cleared off the line by London-born DR Congo defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka after Noni Madueke created an opening.
DR Congo almost doubled their advantage before the break when Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range.
England also felt they should have been awarded a penalty after Kane went down while attempting to round Mpasi, but the referee waved play on.
Mpasi continued to frustrate England, producing fine saves to deny Bellingham and Kane before halftime.
Tuchel turned to his bench in the second half, introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze as England searched for a breakthrough.
The changes proved decisive when Gordon delivered a cross that Kane headed home with 15 minutes remaining to level the score.
Gordon was again involved late on, setting up Kane, who powered a fierce shot into the roof of the net in the 86th minute to seal England’s comeback victory and his 84th international goal.
