ENGLAND captain Harry Kane produced a decisive late double to inspire his side to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo, booking the Three Lions' place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 after surviving an early scare.
England fell behind in just the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga capitalised on slack defending, collecting the ball unmarked inside the penalty area before drilling a low right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Despite dominating possession and creating a succession of chances, Thomas Tuchel's side found themselves repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who denied both Jude Bellingham and Kane with a series of outstanding saves.
England also came close through Marcus Rashford, whose goal-bound effort was brilliantly intercepted by Aaron Wan-Bissaka before it could cross the line.
At the opposite end, DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage before the interval when Yoane Wissa struck the post from close range after finding space inside the six-yard box.
Reuters reported with time running out, England's pressure finally paid dividends. Kane restored parity in the 75th minute before completing the turnaround 11 minutes later.
The 32-year-old striker escaped his marker expertly before powering home a header from Anthony Gordon's pinpoint cross in the 86th minute, sealing England's victory and ending DR Congo's hopes of causing one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
The result sends Tuchel's side into the last 16, where they will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday. - July 2, 2026
