For 75 minutes, England were staring at their worst-ever World Cup defeat. Then Harry Kane stepped up.
Trailing 1-0 to DR Congo in their round of 32 clash in Atlanta, the Three Lions were ragged, sloppy and wasteful. Brian Cipenga had put the African side ahead after Chancel Mbemba’s diagonal ball exposed England’s defence, the low shot beating Jordan Pickford at his near post. Yoane Wissa nearly doubled the lead but hit the post. The England keeper is having a poor World Cup, according to observers.
“Harry Kane scored twice in the last 15 minutes to rescue England from a shock World Cup exit against DR Congo.”
Manager Thomas Tuchel’s 74% win ratio looked in serious danger. Djed Spence was exposed at right-back, centre-halves Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa played like strangers, and Jude Bellingham was three times denied by Lionel Mpasi, the DR Congo goalkeeper playing the game of his life. Kane himself was upended by Mpasi but the referee – backed by a VAR check – waved away what appeared a clear penalty.
England were running out of ideas and hope. Then, in the last 15 minutes, Kane delivered. His first – described as a “rocket” – gave England a late lead. He added a second to complete the turnaround, his fourth and fifth goals of the campaign. Declan Rice moved to right-back and Anthony Gordon came off the bench to provide two assists, giving the team shape and renewed belief.
At full-time, Kane gathered all the players together in a huddle on the pitch to gee up the troops. The stadium played “It’s Coming Home” as relieved England fans celebrated, followed by “Wonderwall” as the players lined up in front of the supporters.
But the escape was narrow. The same defensive frailties that allowed DR Congo to expose them will be tested far more severely in the next round. England now face co-hosts Mexico at the intimidating Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. If DR Congo can cause such chaos, what might Mexico do? Tuchel’s side have serious improving to do – but thanks to their captain, they are still alive.