Harry Kane played a crucial role in England's comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, scoring two late goals to secure a 2-1 win in Atlanta. This result advanced England to the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, helping them avoid what could have been one of their worst-ever tournament exits.

Match Overview

England, under the management of Thomas Tuchel, faced an early setback when Brian Cipenga scored for DR Congo. This goal put the Three Lions in a precarious position as they aimed to end a 60-year wait for a major tournament victory. However, Kane's late intervention ensured that England would not suffer humiliation.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the win, England will need to step up their performance as they prepare to face cohosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the knockout stage. Kane, who is already England's all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history, added to his tally, bringing his total to 13 goals in the tournament and five in this edition, keeping him in contention for the Golden Boot.

For DR Congo, the defeat marked the end of a remarkable journey as they returned to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. The Leopards had previously struggled in the tournament, failing to score or earn points until this year, but they came close to eliminating one of the favorites.

Team Adjustments

Tuchel made two changes to the lineup from their previous match against Panama, bringing Declan Rice back into midfield and starting Djed Spence at right-back due to injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah. However, Spence's performance faced scrutiny after DR Congo exploited the right flank to take an early lead.

As the match progressed, England struggled to find their rhythm, with Jude Bellingham receiving a yellow card and engaging in a heated exchange with Tuchel during a hydration break. Despite the challenges, Bellingham's header and Marcus Rashford's effort showcased England's attacking potential, but it was Kane's late goals that ultimately secured their place in the knockout stage.