England were on the brink of a humiliating World Cup exit in Atlanta – trailing 1-0 to DR Congo for the majority of the match – before Harry Kane produced a late brace to snatch a 2-1 win and secure their place in the last 16. The captain’s heroics sparked a dramatic evening of knockout football that also saw Senegal throw away a two-goal lead against Belgium in the round of 32 and the USA advance despite a red card for star striker Folarin Balogun.
Kane, who scored both goals in the closing stages, insisted the performance was England’s best attacking display of the tournament so far. “Win over DR Congo 'our best game of the tournament',” he said, reflecting on the comeback. The Three Lions had struggled to break down a stubborn Congolese defence until Kane struck, first levelling the tie and then converting a winner that sent the travelling fans into raptures.
“Harry Kane's late double secured England's 2-1 win over DR Congo to reach the World Cup last 16.”
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Senegal looked certain to progress after building a 2-0 lead against Belgium, only to collapse through poor defending and rash decision-making. Late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard forced extra time, and a 120th-minute penalty – calmly dispatched by Youri Tielemans – gave the Europeans victory. In the overnight fixture, USA beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 in San Francisco at 1am, joining co-hosts Mexico and Canada in the last 16, but Balogun was sent off, casting a shadow over their win.
England’s reward for scraping through the round of 32 is a daunting last-16 clash against Mexico on their own turf. Mirror chief football writer John Cross pointed to the hosts’ terrifying historical record at the iconic Azteca stadium: “Mexico have played 89 competitive matches at the Azteca, losing only twice, winning 70, drawn 17.” The Three Lions will need to summon something special to overcome a side that has made its home fortress almost impenetrable.