For 68 minutes, England were wrestling with nightmares. Then Harry Kane took control. The captain’s second-half double rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side from a defeat that would have ranked alongside their 1950 loss to the USA, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 in Atlanta.
The comeback was historic. For the first time since 1966, England came from behind to win a World Cup match – a drought that had stretched across 10 World Cups and 58 games. That 1966 final against West Germany, when England rallied from 2-1 down to win 4-2, remains the only time they have lifted the trophy. The omens, fans will hope, are lining up.
“Harry Kane's late double overturned a 1-0 deficit, giving England their first World Cup comeback win since 1966.”
DR Congo struck first. In the seventh minute, Brian Cipenga was left completely unmarked at the back post to slot past Jordan Pickford. England pressed after the first hydration break, creating chances that Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi repeatedly thwarted. Kane wanted a penalty when Mpasi brought him down in the box just before half-time, but the referee waved away his claims.
The breakthrough finally came on 75 minutes. Anthony Gordon crossed, and Kane headed home. Then, with just four minutes left, Gordon fed Kane inside the box. The Bayern Munich striker rolled his man and rifled a shot past a stranded Mpasi. England had found a way and bucked tradition.
Back home, the drama prompted a mass exodus from offices. The Evening Standard reported that tens of thousands of Londoners had headed to pubs for what was being called the ‘Great England World Cup bunk off’. Fans joked they had “doctor's appointments....with Dr Congo.”
Tuchel’s side now face host nation Mexico in the last 16 on Monday at 1am UK time, at the legendary Azteca Stadium. The Mexicans have looked strong, and England will need a similar fightback if they are to keep the dream alive. After 60 years of hurt, football might finally be coming home – but it will take more heroics from Kane.