Tuchel and Co. hail ‘Shark’ Kane after Congo heroics

England manager Thomas Tuchel led the tributes to Harry Kane after the captain's match-winning double inspired a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Congo DR and sent the Three Lions into the World Cup last 16.

Tuchel praised Kane for once again delivering when England needed him most.

"Harry is our captain. He's our leader. He decides football matches with unbelievable finishes and did it here twice. The second one was just a brilliant goal," Tuchel said.

The England boss compared Kane with the tournament's deadliest forwards, including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.

"They're all sharks. If they smell blood, they come and score," Tuchel said.

Midfielder Declan Rice also hailed Kane's influence after the striker rescued England from the brink of elimination.

"He's just ridiculous. He's got 72 goals this season. That's just not normal. They're ridiculous numbers," Rice said.

"He's a proper leader, a captain. He trains every day and gets on with everyone in the group."

"When you have someone who can win a game for you like that... that second goal, he just reverse-whips it into the top corner. What a player. We're very lucky to have him."

Anthony Gordon, who set up both England goals, said Kane's consistency makes his brilliance no surprise.

"Every day in training, every game is phenomenal. It's no accident. It's consistency every day. He never, ever misses a beat," Gordon said.

Kane's two goals overturned Congo's lead and booked England a Round of 16 clash with co-hosts Mexico.

The captain later described the comeback as one of the finest moments of his England career.

"What a crazy game," Kane said.

"To come back in the way we did is just extremely pleasing and makes me proud of the group, proud of the boys."

"[It was a] tough game and for myself, personally, one of my favourites in an England shirt now; to get a couple of goals and help the team over the line is obviously a magical, magical feeling."

Kane said he always tries to set the standard for his team.

"I try to be the best version of myself. Leading by example is one of my biggest traits and my biggest mottos I try to live by," he said.

Looking ahead to the meeting with Mexico, Kane urged England to enjoy the achievement before focusing on the next challenge.

"I think it's easy sometimes when you're one of the bigger nations to just let these moments slip by, but no matter who you are, you have to enjoy going through in knockout football," he said.

"We'll enjoy this moment, get back and recover. Mexico in Mexico! What an amazing game to be a part of."