Kane fires England into last 16 with comeback win over Congo

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash in Atlanta, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice in the second half to rescue Thomas Tuchel’s side after Brian Cipenga’s early opener had left them facing elimination.

England started brightly but fell behind after seven minutes when Cipenga collected a loose ball inside the area and fired past Jordan Pickford from close range after England failed to deal with a delivery into the box.

The Three Lions nearly responded immediately as Jude Bellingham almost charged down Lionel Mpasi, who recovered after lingering on the ball inside his area.

England dominated possession but struggled to break through an organised Congo defence. Declan Rice’s set-pieces repeatedly failed to create danger, while Bellingham’s deliveries found no teammate.

Congo remained dangerous on the counter and almost doubled their lead midway through the first half. England eventually cleared after a chaotic scramble before Yoane Wissa later struck the post from close range. 

Mpasi proved difficult to beat throughout the opening half. He denied Bellingham with a strong save before Axed Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka combined to keep out Kane and Marcus Rashford during England’s best attacking move.

England believed they deserved a penalty before the interval when Kane went down under Mpasi’s challenge, but the referee waved play on and VAR did not intervene.

Mpasi continued his outstanding display in stoppage time, saving Bellingham’s header before keeping out Kane’s volley as Congo DR carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.

England resumed on the front foot. Rashford missed a clear chance before Mpasi tipped away a deflected Bellingham cross, while Congo DR threatened through Nathanael Mbuku, whose effort was diverted over.

Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze as England increased the pressure. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when Gordon’s cross found Kane, whose header beat Mpasi to level the scores.

England completed the turnaround 11 minutes later. Kane received the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the area, turned brilliantly and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Congo pushed forward during six minutes of added time and earned one final free-kick through Wissa, but the effort flew over the crossbar as England held on to secure their place in the Round of 16.

England will now face Mexico in the last 16.