- By Sunny Daud
- Thu, 02 Jul 2026 02:28 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Harry Kane produced another captain's performance as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.
The victory sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on July 6.
England found themselves in trouble early after Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo the lead in the seventh minute. The Three Lions struggled to find a way back for much of the game before Kane stepped up when his team needed him the most.
The England captain equalised in the 75th minute with a well-placed header before scoring the winner 11 minutes later with a powerful finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
It was a memorable comeback for Thomas Tuchel's side, who became the first England team since the 1986 World Cup to win a knockout match after trailing at half-time.
England also extended their unbeaten record against African teams in the World Cup, avoiding what would have been a major upset.
"It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. They are a tough team, and then after that first break, we were much better, and their keeper made some unbelievable saves. We spoke about people having hero moments, and it can be anyone. It was me today. We spoke all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to work on for sure, and these rounds are just about getting through. We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind out wins, and that's what we have done today," Kane told BBC Sport after the match.
With Germany and the Netherlands already knocked out of the tournament, England looked in danger of suffering the same fate. Despite creating several chances after the break, they were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced a string of outstanding saves to keep his side in front.
DR Congo made the perfect start to the match. In the seventh minute, Brian Cipenga scored his first international goal after meeting a clever flick from Chancel Mbemba and firing a low shot past Jordan Pickford.
England slowly grew into the game and created several opportunities before half-time. Jude Bellingham was denied twice by Mpasi, while Marcus Rashford came close after good work from Noni Madueke, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear the effort off the goal line. Kane also saw a close-range volley saved just before the break.
DR Congo nearly doubled their lead when Yoane Wissa struck the post after a dangerous cross into the box.
England finally found the breakthrough after Thomas Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon. The substitute delivered an excellent cross that Kane headed home to level the scores.
The winning goal arrived in the 86th minute. Kane turned sharply inside the penalty area before smashing an unstoppable shot into the near corner to complete England's comeback and book their place in the Round of 16.
England will now turn their attention to a mouth-watering last-16 clash against Mexico, while DR Congo's impressive World Cup journey comes to an end despite a brave performance.