Harry Kane rescues England with late double to sink DR Congo and book Mexico showdown

Harry Kane rescues England with late double to sink DR Congo and book Mexico showdown England survived a major World Cup scare after Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo and send the Three Lions into the last 16. Thomas Tuchel’s side looked to be heading for a shock exit after falling behind early in Atlanta before their captain once again delivered when it mattered most. England will now face co-hosts Mexico in the next round after eventually finding a way past a disciplined and spirited DR Congo side. The underdogs stunned England inside the opening 10 minutes when Brian Cipenga collected Chancel Mbemba’s cross-field pass before firing a powerful effort past Jordan Pickford at his near post. England struggled to respond during a nervous first half despite enjoying the majority of possession. Declan Rice went close when one of his dangerous deliveries deflected narrowly wide, while Noni Madueke created England’s best opening by picking out Marcus Rashford, whose effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. DR Congo also had opportunities to extend their advantage before the break. Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post with the goal at his mercy after England were caught exposed at the back. England believed they should have been awarded a penalty shortly before half-time when Kane went down under pressure from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but neither the referee nor VAR intervened. Mpasi continued to frustrate England after the restart with several important saves. Jude Bellingham was denied twice from close range, while Rashford fired into the side-netting as England struggled to turn pressure into clear-cut chances. Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in search of a breakthrough as England’s urgency increased. The changes eventually paid off with 15 minutes remaining. Gordon delivered an inviting cross from the left and Kane rose highest to guide a superb header beyond Mpasi and restore parity. England continued to push forward and finally completed the turnaround four minutes from time. After Bellingham’s initial effort was blocked, Kane reacted quickest to collect another pass from Gordon before spinning sharply and smashing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net. The Bayern Munich striker’s brace took his World Cup tally to five goals and once again underlined his importance to England. Rice produced an improved second-half display after helping drive England forward before eventually making way late on, while Saka added fresh energy down the right flank as England searched for the winner. The performance left plenty for Tuchel to analyse, but England’s World Cup campaign remains alive thanks to another decisive contribution from their captain. A tougher challenge now awaits against Mexico, where England will hope to produce a far more convincing display in their bid to reach the quarter-finals.