England were staring at their worst World Cup result in a decade — until Harry Kane intervened. Trailing to Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute opener against DR Congo in Atlanta, the Three Lions needed their captain to produce another rescue act. He delivered two goals in 11 minutes, turning a potential 1-0 defeat into a 2-1 victory that sent England into a last-16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City.
The performance was far from convincing. But rather than lambast Thomas Tuchel's side, international media chose to focus on Kane's brilliance. Spanish newspaper El Mundo said: "The striker demonstrated once again why he is their star player, the only one capable of maintaining the necessary composure to prevent Congo from making them look ridiculous, orchestrating an epic comeback in the final stages of the match."
“Harry Kane scored twice to save England from a 'grotesque' defeat; international media praise his brilliance.”
France's L'Equipe drew comparisons to England's "grotesque" elimination against Iceland at Euro 2016, reporting: "The English fans felt a deep anxiety, which they had probably not felt for 10 years and the grotesque elimination conceded by the Three Lions against Iceland (1-2) in the round of 16 of Euro 2016. The spectre of a similar fiasco loomed large in Atlanta." It added: "Kane confirmed his status as the absolute saviour of a team that will once again rely on him."
Australia's Fox Sports, reporting from a London pub, highlighted the role of substitute Anthony Gordon, who assisted both goals despite being "much-maligned" by fans. "With substitute Anthony Gordon proving lively, much to the surprise of the fans at the pub who had been slagging him off when he was introduced into the game early in the second half, the star striker delivered in style," they wrote. "The skipper had emerged as a Messiah in the nick of time, saving a nation from going into early mourning."
Germany's Die Welt branded Kane "King Kane", while former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking on Magenta TV, called the match "perfect". Klopp said: "You have the clear underdog who surprised everyone with a courageous performance, with a daring display. Courageous, cheeky, it had everything. They scored the goal, defended superbly. And then, in the end, the clear favourite prevailed, thanks to a player who…"
After the match, Kane posted a touching tribute to his children, calling them "my biggest supporters" in a social media post following the rescue act.