By Daniel Akinte
FIFA World Cup exit with a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo.
England looked destined for elimination after falling behind early and struggling for much of the contest before captain Kane struck twice in the closing stages to send the Three Lions into the last 16.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel described the race among football’s elite goalscorers as a battle between “sharks,” referring to Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.
“They are all sharks. They smell blood,” Tuchel said.
The England boss reserved his highest praise for his captain, adding: “Harry is so, so good. He’s our captain. He’s our leader. He decides football matches with unbelievable finishes.”
Reflecting on England’s comeback, Tuchel said the team’s resilience proved decisive.
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“The reaction and belief was one of a kind. We found a way to win. It was well deserved. Close matches, Harry is here to decide them.”
Kane, whose brace took him to 13 World Cup goals and 84 international goals for England, described the encounter as “a crazy game.”
“It feels amazing, to be honest… what a crazy game,” he said. “When you get to the knockouts the pressure is higher. You have to grind wins out and we done that today.”
The England skipper also spoke about the responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband.
“Leading by example is one of my biggest traits. Whenever I’m on that pitch I try and do my best for the country.”
England midfielder Jude Bellingham also paid tribute to Kane, saying he would one day look back with pride at having shared the pitch with the prolific striker.
Winger Anthony Gordon praised Kane’s consistency, insisting his achievements are no accident.
“Anyone can score a good goal, but it’s the consistency with which he does it. It’s phenomenal,” Gordon said.
“It’s amazing to be around him every day. He’s definitely an inspiration to all of us.”
The comeback also sparked widespread reaction among fans, many of whom credited Kane with single-handedly keeping England’s World Cup hopes alive.
One supporter, Martin Gamage, described Kane’s winning strike as an “utterly stupendous finish” and argued the striker is “arguably England’s best ever player.”
Another fan, Colum Fordham, called the decisive goal “a hurricane-force goal” and praised Tuchel’s substitutions, particularly the impact of Gordon.
Others highlighted the influence of Tuchel’s tactical instructions during the hydration breaks, while some supporters joked that England should begin matches with the same intensity they displayed after those stoppages.
Despite celebrating qualification, many fans admitted England were fortunate to survive after a difficult first half in which DR Congo threatened to extend their lead.
However, the overwhelming verdict after the final whistle was that Kane’s leadership, composure and clinical finishing once again proved decisive, ensuring England’s World Cup journey continues.If you’d like, I can also rewrite this in a more natural Nigerian sports journalism style suitable for publication in a campus newspaper or online sports outlet.