Harry Kane produced a stunning late double to rescue England from the brink of a World Cup exit, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to seal a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on Tuesday. The striker's heroics ensured Thomas Tuchel's side survived an almighty scare and advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico on Monday, July 6.
DR Congo had shocked England by taking the lead in just the seventh minute through Cipenga, who fired low past Jordan Pickford to send the African side's supporters into raptures. The goal capped a fearless start from the Congolese, who were making their first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of a World Cup, a historic achievement for the nation and for African football more broadly.
England struggled for much of the contest to break down a resolute DR Congo defence. Tuchel's men controlled possession but lacked the cutting edge needed to carve out clear-cut chances, and frustration grew as the minutes ticked away. The Three Lions looked increasingly desperate as the prospect of a shock elimination loomed large over the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With approximately 15 minutes remaining, Kane finally found the breakthrough. The Bayern Munich striker rose highest to meet a cross and headed home from close range, levelling the score and injecting life back into England's campaign. The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in England's favour, and DR Congo suddenly found themselves under relentless pressure.
Four minutes from time, Kane completed the turnaround with a moment of individual brilliance. Collecting the ball just inside the box, the captain lashed a ferocious strike into the net, sending the English contingent in Atlanta into wild celebrations. The goal underscored Kane's remarkable ability to deliver on the biggest stages when it matters most.
Kane's brace took his career World Cup tally to 13 goals, making him England's all-time leading scorer in the tournament and one of the top marksmen in the 2026 edition. His record across multiple World Cups now places him among the most prolific strikers in the competition's modern history, and his form shows no sign of waning as England's campaign progresses.
While DR Congo's tournament has come to an end, their performance in reaching the knockout stages and pushing England to the limit earned widespread admiration. For Tuchel and England, the victory provided both relief and a stern warning. The manager will know his team cannot afford another slow start when they meet Mexico in what promises to be a fiercely contested Round of 16 encounter.
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