England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to rescue Thomas Tuchel’s side after a sluggish start.
DR Congo stunned England inside the opening 10 minutes. Chancel Mbemba picked out Brian Cipenga with a superb cross-field pass, and the winger cut inside before drilling a low finish beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post. England struggled to respond and came closest through a fortunate deflection from Declan Rice’s delivery that drifted narrowly wide.
The cooling break helped England regain their composure. Noni Madueke created a fine chance for Marcus Rashford, whose low effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. At the other end, Yoane Wissa nearly doubled DR Congo’s advantage but struck the outside of the post from close range.
England pushed harder before half-time but were frustrated by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Kane’s penalty appeal was waved away by both the referee and VAR before the striker saw a powerful volley kept out. Rashford then wasted another promising opening early in the second half by firing into the side netting.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 75th minute. Anthony Gordon delivered a cross from the left and Kane guided his header back across goal into the far corner to restore parity.
Kane completed the turnaround four minutes from time with a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area after Jude Bellingham’s initial effort had been blocked. The finish sealed England’s comeback win and sent the Three Lions into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
For DR Congo, the defeat brought an impressive World Cup campaign to an end in the country’s first appearance in a knockout match.
