England captain Harry Kane produced a late rescue act to keep his nation's World Cup hopes alive, scoring twice in the closing stages to secure a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in Atlanta.
The Three Lions found themselves a goal down inside seven minutes when Brian Cipenga struck for the African side, silencing the England fans in the Georgia stadium. Thomas Tuchel's men struggled to respond in a sluggish first half, with frustration mounting when referee Adham Makhadmeh denied Kane a penalty midway through the opening period, instead awarding a free-kick to DR Congo for simulation after the Bayern Munich striker appeared to be brought down by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
“Harry Kane scores twice in final 15 minutes to seal 2-1 win and set up Mexico clash.”
But Kane made his mark with 15 minutes remaining, nodding a towering header home to level the scores. Six minutes later, he unleashed an absolute rocket from the middle of the area to complete the comeback and send England into the round of 16 – where they will face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, July 6.
Reflecting on the performance, Kane told the BBC: "Still things to work on. These rounds are about going through. This one and the next one, the next one, away in Mexico – against Mexico – we have to grind wins out." He urged his teammates to savour the moment: "I told the boys to enjoy [full time]; sometimes as an England player, games you're expected to win, you don't celebrate as you should. We're the same as every other nation, we're through, but enjoy it – we're at the World Cup. We're fighting for every moment and little margin."
Believing the attacking display was the best of the tournament so far, Kane added: "I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy the moment with the fans, and we go again in four days."
Back home, supporters erupted in calls for Kane to be knighted if England go all the way. "We win this World Cup, give Harry Kane a knighthood IMMEDIATELY," wrote one on social media, while another declared: "From disappointment, to delight. The Harry Kane show. Estadio Azteca next!!" A third joked: "They should make Harry Kane prime minister he seems more committed to the UK (England)."
The 32-year-old's heroics have set up a daunting last-16 tie against Mexico in their own fortress, but for now, England can celebrate a dramatic escape.