Harry Kane produced the biggest moment of his glittering England career to rescue his side from one of the worst humiliations in the nation's history, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to snatch a 2-1 win over DR Congo in Atlanta.
The England captain powered a header past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with 15 minutes left, then unleashed a stunning right-foot strike four minutes from time to send the Three Lions into the last 16 and set up a mammoth clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
“Harry Kane scores twice in final 15 minutes to save England from humiliating World Cup exit against DR Congo.”
Until Kane intervened, England were heading for an embarrassment on the scale of the Euro 2016 loss to Iceland or the 1950 World Cup defeat to the United States. DR Congo had taken a ninth-minute lead through Brian Cipenga, who beat Jordan Pickford at the near post, and the African side held firm despite sustained English pressure. Kane was denied a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
"They are all sharks. They smell blood," Thomas Tuchel said of the Golden Boot contenders, as Kane moved to five goals in the tournament, alongside Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. The England head coach celebrated wildly on the pitch after the winner, aware that defeat would have left his position untenable despite his contract extension.
England's performance was largely dreadful, transformed into victory by their magnificent captain. Anthony Gordon made a superb impact as a substitute, involved in both goals. The win brought sheer relief for Tuchel and the Football Association, who placed their faith in the German with the sole mission of winning this World Cup.
After the match, DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre faced a devastating personal blow. As he took questions from reporters, the team's communications manager interrupted: "However, we are informing you that the coach has lost his father; our sincere condolences." Desabre, looking shocked, replied "Merci" before leaving the room. The 49-year-old had led the nation to their first World Cup since 1974, when they were known as Zaire, and guided them out of the group stage.
"We're disappointed because we believed we could do it," Desabre had said earlier. "We fought like the Congolese people. We played good football today against one of the best teams in the world."
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe added: "We're kicking ourselves because we felt we should have held out. We should have finished it in the first half." Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa hit the post when he could have put DR Congo further ahead.
Kane, meanwhile, paid touching tribute to his children on social media, calling them his "biggest supporters" after his rescue act that keeps England's World Cup dream alive.