Harry Kane struck twice in the final quarter-hour as England recovered from a defensive nightmare to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta, securing a World Cup last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico.
The England captain headed an equaliser after 75 minutes and smashed home a winner six minutes from time, overturning Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute opener for the African debutants. The late rescue spared Thomas Tuchel’s side from one of the tournament’s greatest shocks and marked only England’s ninth World Cup knockout victory since 1966.
Defensive disarray gives way to late drama
DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup knockout match, started with fearless intent. Chancel Mbemba’s diagonal pass found Cipenga unmarked at the far post to drill past Jordan Pickford, exposing gaps in England’s backline. The African side maintained their threat throughout a chaotic first half, with Yoane Wissa striking the post and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing a series of outstanding saves to deny Jude Bellingham twice and thwart Kane from close range.
England’s frustration mounted as Marcus Rashford miscontrolled possession and failed to track defensive runners, earning a 3/10 rating before his withdrawal. The half-time hydration break brought little relief, with Bellingham booked for a reckless challenge and defensive confusion persisting.
Tuchel’s gamble pays off
The turnaround began with Tuchel’s bold reshuffle after 70 minutes. Djed Spence departed, Declan Rice shifted to an unfamiliar right-back role, and Eberechi Eze added attacking thrust. The changes yielded immediate results.
Anthony Gordon, introduced for Rashford on the hour, supplied both assists for Kane’s brace. The winger’s delivery from the left created the headed equaliser, while his clever pass allowed Kane to angle a decisive finish high into the net. Gordon’s 9/10 performance underlined why he will join Barcelona next season, while Kane matched that rating for his predatory instincts. For DR Congo, Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki delivered an energetic display that has reportedly attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
Mexico challenge awaits
England now travel to the Azteca Stadium for Sunday’s meeting with the co-hosts, though reports suggest the kick-off may move to 12pm local time. The fixture presents formidable challenges at altitude against a Mexico side that has won four games while keeping four clean sheets.
Tuchel must solve defensive issues before facing Javier Aguirre’s team. Right-back options are depleted after Tino Livramento’s tournament exit, Jarell Quansah’s ankle injury and Reece James’s hamstring strain. Rice may continue in defence to mark 17-year-old sensation Gilberto Mora, while England should exploit their physical advantage at set pieces against one of the tournament’s shorter squads. Mexico’s 35-year-old striker Raúl Jiménez and wide attackers Julián Quiñones and Roberto Alvarado pose significant threats with intelligent movement.
England hold a dominant historical record against Mexico with six wins in nine meetings, including victory in their only previous World Cup encounter during the 1966 campaign. The last four contests have all ended in English victories. Yet after surviving a severe examination from DR Congo, Tuchel knows his side must improve significantly to extend their stay in the competition.