England survived a major scare to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, coming from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 on July 2, Philippine time, thanks to a dramatic late brace from captain Harry Kane.
Tournament debutants DR Congo stunned England with an early goal from Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute and defended resolutely behind goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced several outstanding saves to frustrate the Three Lions.
England finally found its breakthrough in the 75th minute when Kane powered home a header to level the score. With extra time looming, the captain stepped up once again, drilling home the winner in the 86th minute to complete the comeback and send England into the knockout stage.
Kane’s match-winning brace also lifted his tournament tally to five goals, moving him level with Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race and just one behind leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. After rescuing England when it mattered most, the captain will once again carry his team’s hopes into the knockout rounds.
England Faces New Challenge Against Mexico
England will next take on co-host Mexico in the Round of 16, where the high altitude at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is expected to present another difficult test.
“The altitude will be a big disadvantage because we cannot physically adapt to it,” England head coach Thomas Tuchel said.
