Harry Kane scored twice in the final quarter of an hour as England came from behind to defeat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2–1 in Sunday’s World Cup Round of 32 tie in Atlanta. The victory sets up a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, a fixture laden with historical significance for English football.
Brian Cipenga handed the Léopards a shock early lead, but the England captain equalised with 15 minutes remaining before firing the winner late in normal time. It marked the first time England triumphed at a World Cup after conceding the opening goal since the 1966 final against West Germany.
Kane’s Record Rescue
The Bayern Munich striker’s brace took his World Cup finals tally to 13 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker’s England record. Kane has now scored 72 times for club and country this season.
England appeared disjointed during the first half, being repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. “You have to stay patient in these games,” Kane said afterwards. “When you get to knockout football the pressure is higher, the risk is higher.”
Vice-captain Declan Rice praised Kane’s predatory instincts. “If you give him a chance it’s a goal,” Rice said. “It’s just ridiculous, so credit to him.”
Azteca Challenge
England face Mexico at 1am BST on Monday at a venue where the hosts have never lost a World Cup match. The stadium sits approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, presenting a physical obstacle that manager Thomas Tuchel admits is impossible to adapt to within four days.
The ground carries historical weight for English football as the scene of Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 quarter-finals. Tuchel watched that tournament as a 12-year-old and referenced the memory while expressing excitement for the fixture. “Karma will come back for us,” he said. “We will turn it around.”
Mexico advanced by beating Ecuador and have won four successive tournament matches without conceding, adding to the formidable task facing England. Javier Aguirre’s side hope to reach the quarter-final for the first time since 1986.
Tuchel Urges School Night Exception
Despite the early kick-off for UK viewers, Tuchel urged parents to allow children to watch the match. “Write an excuse for school and let them watch football,” he said. “The World Cup is every four years. Let them watch … we need the support of everyone.”
Around 10,000 England supporters travelled to Atlanta, though one notable absentee was Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as “Lumumba Vea” for dressing as independence leader Patrice Lumumba, who was denied a US visa. DR Congo were appearing in their first World Cup knockout match, and their early goal sparked jubilation among travelling fans before Kane’s intervention extinguished their hopes.
For the last-16 tie, Jarell Quansah is expected to return to England’s defence after missing the victory over DR Congo. The Liverpool defender will likely replace Djed Spence at right-back as part of a lineup that includes Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.