Harry Kane scored twice to drag England from a goal down and into the World Cup last 16, his second a dramatic winner in a tense encounter in Atlanta that set up a meeting with Mexico.
Thomas Tuchel’s side fell behind early when DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga fired past Jordan Pickford, punishing Djed Spence as the right-back was dragged across in a defensive lapse. It was the England manager’s decision to name Jarell Quansah among the substitutes that raised eyebrows, given the defender had not trained fully after limping off against Panama with an ankle injury. Quansah never changed into playing kit; he watched the game from the bench alongside Reece James, himself still sidelined.
“Harry Kane scores twice as England come from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the World Cup last 16.”
Tuchel had said two days before the match that neither Quansah nor James would be ready to feature in the round of 32. “They are getting closer and closer,” he said on Tuesday. “Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reecey.” Yet Quansah was spotted walking on the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before kick-off, indicating he was officially part of the squad. There is hope he will be available for the Mexico clash at the Azteca Stadium, though he is not expected to start.
England’s response to going behind was slow to build. “I think the halftime result was not a fair result,” Tuchel said. “We conceded very early, which made things more complicated than they were already.” But Kane’s first goal brought England level, and the captain struck again after the break to complete the turnaround. “This team today did not accept defeat as an outcome,” Tuchel said. “They just didn’t accept it, and it makes me very proud because they did what was necessary. The going got tough today, and then they showed up, and we got the deserved win.”
Kane now has five goals in the tournament, moving one behind France’s Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. England will next face Mexico, with Tuchel’s side hoping Quansah can rejoin full training before the squad flies to Mexico City on Friday.