Kane’s late double rescues England against spirited DR Congo

By Daniel Akinte

Harry Kane delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice in the closing stages as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico.

The Three Lions were stunned inside seven minutes when Brian Cipenga punished a defensive lapse to give DR Congo a dream start in their first-ever World Cup knockout match. The early goal exposed England’s shaky defending and forced Thomas Tuchel’s side onto the front foot for the remainder of the contest.

England dominated possession and carved out several chances before the interval, but DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of impressive saves to frustrate Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford. Rashford also saw an effort cleared off the goal line, while Kane’s appeals for a penalty after a collision with Mpasi were waved away.

The African side almost doubled their lead before halftime when Yoane Wissa struck the post, leaving England relieved to trail by only one goal at the break.

Tuchel’s substitutions eventually changed the game’s momentum. Anthony Gordon made an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint cross for Kane to power home a header in the 75th minute and restore parity.

With extra time looming, England’s captain produced the decisive moment. Kane created space inside a crowded penalty area before unleashing a fierce strike into the roof of the net in the 86th minute, completing a dramatic turnaround and keeping England’s World Cup hopes alive.

The brace also saw Kane surpass Pelé’s World Cup goal tally, taking his total to 13 goals at the tournament across his career, while extending his remarkable record in knockout matches.

Despite the victory, England’s performance exposed defensive frailties that Tuchel will hope to address before the last-16 clash with Mexico. Defensive lapses allowed DR Congo to threaten on the counterattack, while the Three Lions needed patience and persistence to break down their disciplined opponents.

After the match, Tuchel praised his captain for once again rising to the occasion.

“Difficult matches, close matches – Harry’s here to decide them,” the England manager said. “We kept believing, kept creating chances and found a deserved way to win.”

Kane was equally delighted with the comeback, describing it as another example of England’s resilience.

“It feels amazing. They were tough and organised, but we stayed patient. We knew the chances would come,” he said. “At this stage of the tournament, sometimes you have to grind out victories, and that’s exactly what we did.”

England now turn their attention to a high-profile last-16 meeting with Mexico, while DR Congo exit the competition after producing a courageous display that pushed one of the tournament favourites to the limit.