England 2-1 DR Congo: Kane late brace rescues Three Lions and books round of 16 spot
Harry Kane rescued England with a late brace (75', 86') after Brian Cipenga put DR Congo ahead in the 7th minute, sealing a 2-1 win and a round of 16 date with Mexico.
England survived a major World Cup scare at the Atlanta Stadium on July 1, coming from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 thanks to a trademark late double from captain Harry Kane. The Democratic Republic of Congo, playing their first-ever knockout stage match at a men's World Cup, led for 68 minutes and were desperately close to pulling off one of the tournament's great upsets.
Cipenga stuns England early (7')
Brian Cipenga scored in just the seventh minute to give DR Congo a shock lead, exploiting a defensive lapse to put England on the back foot almost immediately. The goal rocked the Three Lions and threatened to make for a very long night.
Kane delivers with a late brace (75', 86')
England huffed and puffed for most of the match before their captain came to the rescue. Kane equalised in the 75th minute and then, with just four minutes remaining, netted the winner to complete a dramatic comeback. His 12th and 13th World Cup goals cement him as one of the tournament's all-time great scorers.
DR Congo exit with their heads held high
For DR Congo, this was a historic night regardless of the result — their first knockout stage appearance at a World Cup. Leading England for over an hour is a performance that deserves enormous credit and gives African football plenty to be proud of.
England vs Mexico at the Azteca awaits
England now face Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in the round of 16 — a ground that holds painful memories for English football. Kane and co will need to be far more convincing if they are to advance further in the tournament.
