Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages to rescue England from a stunning FIFA World Cup upset, securing a 2-1 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta and booking the Three Lions’ place in the last 16.
England, who are seeking to end a 60-year wait for a major international trophy, looked set for one of the most disappointing exits in their World Cup history after Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo into an early lead.
However, captain Kane produced two late goals to spare Thomas Tuchel’s side from elimination and set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday.
Already England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer, Kane now has 13 goals in the competition and five at this tournament, strengthening his bid for the Golden Boot.
For DR Congo, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable campaign on their first World Cup appearance in 52 years.
Having never previously scored a goal or earned a point at the tournament, the Leopards came within touching distance of eliminating one of the favourites.
Tuchel made two changes to the side that defeated Panama, recalling Declan Rice in midfield and handing Djed Spence a start at right-back after injuries ruled out Reece James and Jarell Quansah.
The decision not to include additional specialist right-back cover came under scrutiny when DR Congo took the lead down England’s right flank.
Spence was caught underneath Chancel Mbemba’s cross, allowing the ball to fall kindly for Cipenga, whose low strike beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.
The goal stunned the largely pro-England crowd of nearly 70,000 and left Tuchel’s side visibly unsettled.
England gradually responded through Jude Bellingham, whose powerful header forced goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into an excellent save. Marcus Rashford also came close, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to clear his effort off the line after good work by Noni Madueke.
DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before the break when Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range.
At the other end, Kane appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after going down while rounding Mpasi, before the DR Congo goalkeeper denied both Bellingham and Kane with a series of outstanding saves.
England dominated possession after the restart but struggled to break down the resilient Congolese defence until Tuchel turned to his bench.
Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze were introduced to inject urgency into England’s attack.
The changes proved decisive as Gordon delivered a cross that Kane headed home in the 75th minute to level the score.
Gordon then provided another assist 11 minutes later, with Kane firing a powerful shot into the roof of the net for his 84th international goal to complete England’s comeback and send the Three Lions into the knockout stage.
