Harry Kane was England’s Captain Marvel once again as he scored two late goals to snatch a nervy 2-1 victory over DR Congo and keep the Three Lions’ World Cup dream alive. The win sets up a last-16 tie with co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.
England had the worst possible start. Brian Cipenga fired beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post, leaving the goalkeeper beaten and the stunned side looking at each other as Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice made their frustrations clear. It could have been two when Yoanne Wissa clipped the outside of the post.
“Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from defeat against DR Congo and set up a last-16 tie with Mexico.”
Thomas Tuchel used the hydration break to rally his players, and they improved, but hopes of a first-half equaliser were thwarted by the superhuman Lionel Mpasi, who made a string of miraculous saves. Mpasi had his heart in his mouth when Kane knocked the ball past him and made contact with his trailing leg, but after a lengthy check, referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away protests.
Patience was called for at half‑time, but England still could not find a way back despite chances for Marcus Rashford and Bellingham. Then, when England needed a hero, their greatest ever goalscorer stepped forward. First, with 15 minutes to go, Kane headed home from Anthony Gordon’s cross. Then, in the 86th minute, he lashed in a stunning second – his 12th and 13th World Cup goals for his increasingly legendary Three Lions career.
The defence remains a major concern. BBC Sport’s Alex Howell rated Pickford, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly all at 5 or below, noting a back four that has not looked convincing throughout the tournament. The Mirror’s John Cross gave Pickford and Spence 4, saying Pickford “should not have been at the near post” and that it was a poor World Cup overall. Rice and Bellingham fared better, with Rice earning 7 from both outlets for imposing himself after going behind and for his set‑piece delivery.
London celebrated wildly as Kane’s heroics sent England through, but with Mexico waiting at the Estadio Azteca, the Three Lions will have to be far better. Wayne Rooney has made a prediction of “big trouble” as Thomas Tuchel “gets answers” from a performance that was rescued by its captain.