Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes to rescue England from World Cup elimination, securing a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in Atlanta that advances Thomas Tuchel’s side to a last-16 showdown with Mexico.
The England captain’s late intervention masked a disjointed performance from the 1966 champions, who trailed to Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute strike for much of the contest. Kane first equalised with a close-range header from substitute Anthony Gordon’s delivery, before sealing the win six minutes from time with a powerful finish from an acute angle.
This represents only the ninth occasion England have prevailed in a World Cup knockout tie since 1966, though the manner of it will concern Tuchel. His defence endured a torrid afternoon, caught out of position for Cipenga’s opener when Chancel Mbemba’s ball found the winger unmarked at the far post to drill past Jordan Pickford.
DR Congo threaten upset
The African side, competing in their first World Cup knockout match, refused to sit back as Tuchel had anticipated. Instead, they pressed high and created the better openings during a bewildering first half. Yoane Wissa struck the upright following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s dangerous centre, while the England defence panicked under sustained pressure.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of outstanding saves to protect the lead, denying Jude Bellingham twice and thwarting Kane from close range before the interval. England were denied a penalty when Kane tangled with Mpasi despite appearing to touch the ball first, but referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away the appeals.
Tuchel’s tactical gamble
The England manager’s patience appeared misplaced until a bold reshuffle with 20 minutes remaining. Djed Spence was withdrawn, Declan Rice shifted to an unfamiliar role at right-back, and Eberechi Eze introduced to add creativity. The changes yielded immediate results.
Gordon, who had replaced the ineffective Marcus Rashford on the hour, supplied the ammunition for both goals. His first cross was headed home by Kane, while his second assist allowed the captain to smash home the winner from a tight angle. The winger’s performance underlined why he will join Barcelona next season.
Individual fortunes
Rashford endured a difficult afternoon, miscontrolling the ball out of play early on and failing to influence proceedings before his withdrawal. In contrast, Bellingham threatened repeatedly but could not find a way past Mpasi, receiving a booking for a reckless challenge on Nathanael Mbuku.
For DR Congo, Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki attracted attention with an energetic display that has reportedly drawn interest from Premier League clubs. Wan-Bissaka made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Rashford and carried a consistent threat down the right flank.
Road to the Azteca
England will travel to Mexico City to face the host nation on Sunday at the Azteca Stadium, a venue laden with historical significance for English football. Tuchel must address his team’s defensive frailties before the tie, with right-back options depleted after Tino Livramento’s tournament ended and Jarell Quansah sustaining an ankle injury.
While Kane’s predatory instincts salvaged the campaign, reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective cohesion remains a vulnerability as the tournament progresses.