With 15 minutes left on the clock in Atlanta, England were staring at their worst-ever World Cup defeat, trailing 1-0 to DR Congo and heading for a shock exit. Then Harry Kane stepped up.
England faced DR Congo in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. DR Congo took the lead through Brian Cipenga, who exposed England's disorganised defence; Jordan Pickford was beaten at his near post. Kane equalised with what BBC Sport called a "rocket" of a strike, then scored a second to complete a 2-1 comeback, taking his tournament tally to five goals.
“Harry Kane's late brace saved England from World Cup embarrassment against DR Congo; match explained.”
England's performance was described by the Mirror as "ragged, sloppy and wasteful." Defensive issues were clear: centre-halves Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa looked like strangers, Djed Spence was exposed, and Pickford had a poor game. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several saves, and England were denied a clear penalty when Kane was upended by Mpasi – the Mirror called it a "clear penalty" that was not given. Kane himself had been "as bad as anyone" before turning the game. Substitutions changed the momentum: Anthony Gordon provided two assists, Declan Rice moved to right-back, and the team found renewed belief.
For UK readers, this match matters because England now face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City – a notoriously difficult venue. The win keeps England's World Cup hopes alive, but the defensive frailties exposed by DR Congo raise major concerns. Kane's leadership was on show as he gathered the players for a huddle after the final whistle, and the comeback highlights the importance of squad depth and tactical adjustments.
Q: How did Harry Kane score his winning goals? A: Kane's first was a powerful strike described as a "rocket" by BBC Sport. His second came later in a late surge, completing a brace that turned the match around in the final 15 minutes.
Q: Why were England struggling against DR Congo? A: England's defence was disorganised and exposed: Pickford was beaten at his near post for the opener, the centre-backs lacked cohesion, and the team lacked shape before substitutions improved their structure and belief.
Q: What was the controversial penalty decision? A: In the second half, Kane was brought down by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but referee and VAR did not award a penalty. The Mirror called it a "clear penalty" that was denied.
England now prepare to face Mexico in the last 16. Manager Thomas Tuchel must address the defensive issues exposed by DR Congo if England are to progress further.