Harry Kane produced a stunning second-half double to drag England past DR Congo and into the World Cup last 16, where Thomas Tuchel's side will now face co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The 32-year-old striker was the saviour for the Three Lions after a disjointed first-half performance left them on the brink of elimination in Atlanta.
England struggled to find any rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, with DR Congo taking a surprise lead that silenced the largely pro-English crowd. The African side pressed aggressively and capitalised on defensive hesitancy, leaving Tuchel's men facing the prospect of an early exit from the tournament. However, Kane stepped up after the interval, first levelling the score with a composed finish before netting the winner with a trademark strike that sparked wild celebrations among the England supporters.
The victory sets up a daunting round-of-16 fixture against Mexico, who will enjoy home advantage at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stadium, known for its raucous atmosphere and high altitude, has historically been a fortress for the Mexican national team. England will need to improve significantly on their showing against DR Congo if they are to progress further in the competition.
Kane's heroics have prompted calls from fans for the forward to receive a knighthood, with many pointing to his continued ability to deliver in crucial moments for his country. The Bayern Munich striker has now scored multiple goals in several high-pressure World Cup matches, cementing his status as one of England's most important players of the modern era. His performance against DR Congo was particularly notable given the team's overall struggles on the night.
Tuchel acknowledged after the match that his side had not been at their best but praised the character shown to turn the game around. The German head coach will be aware that tougher tests lie ahead, starting with Mexico, who have impressed on home soil during the group stage. England will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to create more consistent attacking opportunities if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title.
The match in Atlanta was part of a busy day at the World Cup, with Belgium also staging a comeback against Senegal in another group-stage encounter. England's narrow escape has added to the sense of unpredictability in the tournament, where several so-called favourites have faced stiff opposition from lower-ranked teams. The Three Lions will now have a few days to prepare for the Mexico clash, with fitness and tactical adjustments expected to be the focus of training sessions.
For DR Congo, the defeat marks the end of a spirited campaign that saw them push a major nation to the limit. Their performance in Atlanta earned them plaudits from neutrals, and they can take pride in having tested England more than many anticipated. The African side will now return home with their heads held high, having demonstrated that they can compete at the highest level of international football.
England's progression to the last 16 keeps alive hopes of a deep run in the tournament, but the performance against DR Congo has raised questions about their ability to handle pressure in knockout matches. The upcoming tie against Mexico will provide a stern examination of Tuchel's tactical acumen and the squad's mental resilience. With Kane in form, however, England will always have a chance, and the captain's leadership will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges ahead.
