Clutching his young daughter after the final whistle, Harry Kane kissed her while his wife and teammates flooded the pitch. The England captain had just scored two late goals to turn a looming defeat into a 2-1 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, sending his side into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
It had all started disastrously. In Atlanta, Georgia, Thomas Tuchel's side conceded within the first 10 minutes. For more than an hour, England laboured, struggling to break down a determined DR Congo defence. The crowd inside the stadium grew restless, and back in London, pubs fell quiet.
“Harry Kane scored two late goals to rescue England from an upset against DR Congo and send them to the World Cup last 16.”
Then, after the 70th minute, Kane took control. Twice he found the net, the second goal greeted with a roar that could be heard across the Atlantic. The captain celebrated his winning strike with a ferocity to match the magnitude of the escape. He had not only saved England from a major upset but also secured their place in the knockout rounds.
Scenes of wild celebration erupted in the capital. At Wembley, where thousands had gathered to watch on big screens, pop star Harry Styles was spotted among fans going wild. The victory sent a wave of relief through the country, with supporters flooding streets and pubs in jubilation.
For England, the focus now shifts to the next round. The exact opponent and date are yet to be confirmed, but after such a narrow escape, the team will need to find their form quickly. For one night, however, Kane was the hero, his family by his side, and the Three Lions still roaring.