Harry Kane’s brace has sealed a Last 16 spot for England as the Three Lions survived DR Congo’s scare with a narrow 2-1 win.
In what most had initially considered an easy path for the Thomas Tuchel-led side, the English national team took on the Leopards at the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s Round of 32.
This was however not the case as DR Congo gave England a fight for their life.
The Congolese left the English supporters in shock barely 10 minutes into the game as the Leopard took the lead in the 7th minute.
It took England an hydration break to shrug off the shock and get into the game.
They were however kept at bay as DR Congo’s goalkeeper, Mpasu, denied Bellingham a potential equaliser in 29th minute as he cleared off his header.
Despite bejng under pressure, Yoan Wissa came close to doubling the lead for DR Congo in the 42nd but hit the woodwork to spare England from a looming disaster.
Wissa’s miss would nearly be punished as a counter attack by England brought Harry Kane in a one-on-one situation against the Congolese goalkeeper.
The Bayern Munich forward however tripped off balance from what appeared to be a slight contact with the goalkeeper.
England’s controversial penalty call was however dismissed by the referee with DR Congo demanding yellow card against Kane for allegedly diving.
The Three Lions striker was however spared by the referee.
England grew desperate for a leveller as they charged towards the DR Congo’s defence.
Impressive multiple saves by the Conglese goalkeeper however denied the Three Lions goal scoring opportunity as Bellingham’s header and Kane’s sublime shot were saved.
DR Congo held on to the narrow lead until tactical changes by Tuchel who substituted Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon.
The second-half subsitutes proved effective in unlocking the DR Congo’s watertight defence.
Harry Kane eventually put the game on levels term as he headed home a 75th minute lob pass from Gordon.
DR Congo struggled to contain England’s attacking threat as Kane eventually put the Three Lions ahead in the 86th minute with his second goal.
The English team held on to the lead with a last minute freekick by DR Congo’s Wissa going wide to end the Leopard’s campaign at the World Cup.