England secured a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the World Cup last 32, largely thanks to two late goals from captain Harry Kane. The match, played in Atlanta’s stadium, saw England trailing until Kane’s intervention in the final 15 minutes.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel celebrated on the pitch after Kane’s second goal, which came with four minutes remaining. This result ensures England’s progression to the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.
Kane’s Decisive Performance
Kane’s first goal, a powerful header, levelled the score with 15 minutes left, beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. His second, a right-foot strike high past Mpasi, followed a pass from substitute Anthony Gordon, who was involved in both goals.
The performance was described as a rescue for England, who were facing potential elimination. Tuchel’s position was also seen as being under threat had England lost, despite his contract extension. The Football Association had reportedly tasked Tuchel with winning the World Cup.
Kane’s contribution has been significant throughout the tournament, with him now having scored five goals in this World Cup. He is among the leading scorers, alongside players like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.
Tuchel praised Kane, stating, “Harry is so, so good. He’s our captain. He’s our leader. He decides football matches with unbelievable finishes and did it here twice. The second one was just a brilliant goal.”
He is the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout stage match since Gary Lineker in 1990. Kane has now scored knockout stage goals at a World Cup, with only Lineker having scored more for England with six.
This season, Kane has scored 72 goals in 62 games for club and country, including 11 for England and 61 for Bayern Munich. Teammate Jude Bellingham and Gordon both lauded Kane’s consistency and leadership.
Gordon commented on Kane’s consistent high-level play, noting that his season has only been surpassed by Messi. He highlighted Kane’s work ethic, passion, and seriousness as inspirational qualities.
Team Changes and Next Challenge
England’s starting line-up saw some changes from their previous match against Panama. Declan Rice returned from a calf injury, and Noni Madueke was also in the starting XI. Djed Spence started at right-back, replacing Jarell Quansah, who was injured.
Spence’s performance at right-back was noted as challenging, as he was reportedly beaten by DR Congo winger Brian Cipenga, who scored DR Congo’s goal. Spence was later replaced in the 71st minute, with Rice moving to the right-back position.
Other players who struggled included Madueke and Marcus Rashford. Substitutes Gordon and Bukayo Saka made an impact, with Gordon providing both assists for Kane’s goals.
England now faces a significant challenge in Mexico City, where they will play Mexico in the last 16. The Azteca Stadium is known for its altitude of over 7,000ft and Mexico’s strong home record, having lost only two of their past 89 competitive games there.
Mexico has 70 wins at the stadium and has remained unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches in the arena. England’s previous World Cup memory at the Azteca Stadium is their 1986 quarter-final defeat by Argentina.
The environment is expected to be hostile, with strong support for the home team, making Kane’s continued leadership and goalscoring ability crucial for England’s prospects in the upcoming match.
England will need Kane more than ever as they move to an altitude of over 7,000ft after matches in enclosed stadia in Dallas and Atlanta, as well as in the cooling rain at Boston and New York New Jersey Stadium.
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Source: bbc.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
