Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages to rescue England from a stunning World Cup upset, guiding Thomas Tuchel’s side to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta and sealing a place in the last 16.
For much of the contest, England appeared to be heading towards one of the most disappointing defeats in their World Cup history after Brian Cipenga’s early strike handed the African side a deserved advantage.
However, the England captain produced two decisive moments in the final 15 minutes to turn the match around.
The victory keeps alive England’s hopes of ending a 60-year wait for major international silverware, although a significant improvement will be required before Sunday’s knockout meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Kane’s match-winning performance also strengthened his bid for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
The forward now has five goals at this World Cup and has extended his overall World Cup tally to 13, further enhancing his status as England’s leading scorer in the competition.
For DR Congo, defeat brought an end to a remarkable campaign. Competing at the World Cup for the first time in more than five decades, the Leopards exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout phase after previously failing to score or earn a point in the tournament’s history.
Tuchel made two changes to the side that defeated Panama.
Declan Rice returned to midfield, while Djed Spence started at right-back following injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
England’s problems emerged early, particularly on the right side of defence. Chancel Mbemba’s delivery caught Spence out of position, allowing Brian Cipenga to strike a low effort that slipped past Jordan Pickford at his near post, giving DR Congo a surprise lead.
The goal unsettled England, who struggled to find rhythm during the opening period.
Jude Bellingham received a booking after a mistimed challenge and later appeared involved in a tense exchange with Tuchel during the scheduled cooling break.
England gradually regained control and began to create opportunities.
Bellingham forced goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into action with a powerful header before Marcus Rashford saw a goal-bound effort cleared from the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka after impressive work from Noni Madueke.
Despite England’s pressure, DR Congo nearly doubled their lead before half-time.
Yoane Wissa, who had been instrumental throughout the group stage, struck the outside of the post from close range after finding space inside the penalty area.
England also felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Kane went to ground while attempting to round Mpasi, but the referee waved play on.
The Congolese goalkeeper then produced further impressive saves, denying both Bellingham and Kane before the interval.
Tuchel responded in the second half by introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze as England searched for a breakthrough.
The changes eventually paid off.
Gordon delivered a precise cross into the penalty area in the 75th minute, where Kane rose highest to power a downward header beyond Mpasi and restore parity.
With extra time looming, England completed the comeback four minutes from the end.
Gordon again played a key role, supplying Kane, who drove a powerful finish into the roof of the net to secure victory and send England through to the last 16.
While England avoided an embarrassing exit, the performance exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of fluency for long periods.
Tuchel’s side will now face a far sterner examination against tournament co-hosts Mexico, with hopes of progressing further resting on a significant improvement in performance.
For DR Congo, the defeat marked the end of an inspiring World Cup journey. Their spirited display against one of the tournament favourites demonstrated the progress they have made and suggested they could remain a competitive force on the international stage.
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