Harry Kane dragged England out of World Cup danger with two late goals, sealing a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and setting up a last-16 clash with Mexico.
England survived a major World Cup scare after Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to seal a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in their Round of 32 tie.
The Three Lions were staring at a damaging knockout exit after Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo ahead in the seventh minute, punishing a slow England start and giving the African side belief that a historic upset was possible.
But Kane changed the match late. The England captain levelled in the 75th minute before striking again in the 86th minute, turning a tense night into another rescue act from the player England needed most.
The win sends Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City. England Football lists the tie for Monday, July 6, with a 1am BST kick-off.
DR Congo Put England Under Early Pressure
England had entered the tie as favourites, but DR Congo struck before the match had settled.
Chancel Mbemba’s pass released Cipenga, who cut inside and beat Jordan Pickford at the near post to give DR Congo a shock lead. It was the kind of early goal that changes a knockout game. England were forced to chase, while DR Congo had something to protect.
England struggled for rhythm after falling behind. Marcus Rashford had an effort cleared off the line, Kane was denied before the break, and DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced the resistance that made England’s frustration grow.
DR Congo also had chances to stretch the lead. Yoane Wissa came close before half-time, hitting the post as England’s defence continued to look vulnerable.
Kane Turns The Tie
England kept pushing, but the pressure did not become decisive until Kane found the breakthrough.
The striker guided in Anthony Gordon’s cross in the 75th minute to drag England level. With extra time beginning to feel possible, Kane then delivered the winner 11 minutes later, powering home the goal that ended DR Congo’s resistance and kept England alive in the tournament.
It was not a clean England performance. It was not a statement win built on control. But it was a result shaped by resilience, late quality and the finishing authority of Kane.
That will matter to Tuchel, but so will the warning signs. England created chances, yet they also allowed DR Congo to settle into the match, threaten on transition and believe for long periods that the upset was within reach.
Mexico Test Now Looms
For DR Congo, the defeat ends a memorable tournament run and their first knockout appearance. They leave with disappointment, but also with credit after pushing one of the tournament’s heavyweight teams to the edge.
For England, the result brings relief, not comfort.
Mexico now wait in the last 16, and England will need a sharper, cleaner performance if they are to extend their World Cup campaign beyond another high-pressure knockout night.
Kane saved them this time. Against Mexico, England may need more than a rescue act.