Key Takeaways:
- England secured a 2-1 win against DR Congo to advance to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup
- Harry Kane scored twice after England initially fell behind in the opening 10 minutes
- DR Congo had a chance to take a two-goal lead but Yoane Wissa’s strike hit the post
England Battle Back from Early Setback
England endured a nervy evening in their Round of 32 encounter against DR Congo, ultimately emerging 2-1 winners thanks to captain Harry Kane’s brace to secure a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. The Three Lions found themselves behind early, as Chancel Mbemba’s sweeping cross-field ball found Brian Cipenga, who cut inside and fired into Jordan Pickford’s near post within the opening ten minutes.
Following this setback, England struggled to mount an immediate response, although they nearly levelled fortuitously when Declan Rice’s cross deflected off an unsuspecting Ezri Konsa and drifted just wide.
England come back to claim their spot in the Round of 16! 🙌#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026
Kane Leads Turnaround Amid Missed Opportunities
The hydration break allowed Thomas Tuchel’s side to regroup, and soon afterwards, Noni Madueke surged to the byline to deliver a dangerous ball for Marcus Rashford. Rashford’s low shot appeared destined for the net, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka intervened on the line to deny his former Manchester United teammate. Despite England’s increasing dominance, Yoane Wissa narrowly missed doubling DR Congo’s lead, striking the outside of the post from close range.
England were left frustrated on two occasions before half-time. Firstly, appeals for a penalty were dismissed when Harry Kane went down under Lionel Mpasi’s challenge, with both the referee and VAR unconvinced. Moments later, Kane’s powerful volley at the far post was kept out by Lionel Mpasi, who proved a formidable presence in goal.
Second-Half Surge and Kane’s Decisive Goals
After the interval, England continued to create chances. Rashford squandered a notable opportunity within ten minutes of the restart, firing into the side netting from a promising position. As the match wore on and England’s pressure faltered, Harry Kane rose to the occasion, drawing his side level with a glancing header from Anthony Gordon’s cross into the far corner with 15 minutes remaining.
With only four minutes left of regulation time, Kane cemented England’s victory by firing a powerful effort into the roof of the net from the edge of the box after Jude Bellingham had initially been denied. This vital goal ensured England’s spot in the next round, where they now face a challenging fixture against Mexico at the Azteca.
What’s Next
With this comeback win, England advance to face Mexico in the last 16 at the iconic Azteca Stadium. DR Congo exit the tournament after their first appearance in the World Cup knockout phase.
