Harry Kane's late brilliance saves England from stunning upset against DR Congo
Captain Harry Kane propelled England into the quarter-finals with two late goals against a resilient DR Congo side. The victory sets up a high-stakes clash against co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
England survived a brink‑of‑elimination round‑of‑32 clash in Atlanta thanks to a second‑half brace from captain Harry Kane. The striker’s header in the 75th minute levelled the score and his angled finish four minutes later forced a 2‑1 win, thrusting the Three Lions back into the knockout draw and setting up a quarter‑final against co‑hosts Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.
The early shock came just seven minutes in, when DR Congo winger Brian Cipenga outran the English back line, slotted a low drive past Jordan Pickford and gave Les Léopards a dream start.
Media additions
England’s first half was a study in missed opportunities. Yoane Wissa, who had haunted the hosts in the group stage, saw a clear first‑half chance hit the right post in the 42nd minute. A minute later Kane collided with DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi and earned a contentious VAR review that left the attendance without a penalty.
Key moments
- 7′ – Cipenga scores after a speedy run down the left, putting DR Congo ahead.
- 42′ – Yoane Wissa fires a low shot onto the right post.
- 75′ – Kane heads in a cross from Anthony Gordon to make it 1‑1.
- 87′ – Kane slots a tight‑angle strike into the top right corner to secure a 2‑1 lead.
Anthony Gordon, who entered the game for Marcus Rashford in the 60th minute, delivered both of Kane’s assists, according to the New York Times live blog.
“We knew what they were going to come and do, and it was exactly that. They were really hard to break down, and we just stuck by each other and went until the very end and thankfully we got through.”
Elliot Anderson, England midfielder, via The New York Times
Beyond the match itself, the result nudged Kane into an elite World Cup company. Both the Yahoo and Times of India reports confirm that his second‑half brace lifted him to 13 career World Cup goals, overtaking Pelé on the all‑time list. The New York Times adds that he became the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker’s 1990 strike against Cameroon.
“Harry Kane captained England for the 90th time today, equalling the long‑standing record jointly held by Billy Wright and Bobby Moore,” the New York Times notes, emphasizing the historic weight of the evening beyond the two goals.
What the experts say
The NYT commentary warned that England’s next hurdle – Mexico – will test “moments and pressure” even more. It highlighted Mexico’s defensive record and the need for England to be “more clinical” given their 25 % conversion of big chances versus Mexico’s 40 %+.
AU’s Dom Smith, writing for Australia Yahoo, praised Kane as “England’s hero for the umpteenth time” but warned that the defensive lapses could haunt the squad in future knockout games.
Meanwhile, the Times of India highlighted the broader narrative: DR Congo’s historic run, their first knockout‑stage appearance, and the “disciplined defensive performance” that almost produced a giant killing.