Kane’s late double sends England past DR Congo into last 16

ATLANTA: Harry Kane struck twice late on as England came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and move into the World Cup last 16.

Thomas Tuchel’s side, chasing a first major title in 60 years, were pushed close to one of their worst World Cup exits after Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead. England now face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, but their display raised further questions despite the result.

Kane, already England’s leading scorer in World Cup history, took his tally in the competition to 13 goals. He now has five goals in the current tournament and remains in contention for the Golden Boot.

For DR Congo, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable run on their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. The Leopards had never previously scored or earned a point at the tournament until this campaign, and they came close to knocking out one of the favourites.

Tuchel made two changes after the win over Panama, with Declan Rice returning in midfield and Djed Spence coming in at right-back. Reece James and Jarell Quansah were unavailable because of injury, and England’s lack of specialist right-back cover came under scrutiny when Congo’s opener came down that side.

Spence was caught underneath a cross from Chancel Mbemba and the ball dropped to Cipenga, whose low shot beat Jordan Pickford at his near post. The goal stunned a crowd of nearly 70,000, most of them supporting England, and Tuchel’s players appeared unsettled.

Jude Bellingham was booked for a rash challenge and later had an animated exchange with Tuchel during the mid-half hydration break. The pause helped England regain some composure and they began to create chances.

Bellingham forced goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into action with a strong header from Rice’s cross. Soon after, Marcus Rashford saw a powerful attempt cleared off the line by London-born Aaron Wan-Bissaka following a run by Noni Madueke. DR Congo, however, might have gone into the break with a bigger advantage when Yoane Wissa, who had scored three times in the group stage to help his country reach the knockout rounds for the first time, hit the outside of the post from close range.

England also felt aggrieved when Kane went down while trying to round Mpasi, only for the referee to wave play on. Mpasi then continued his impressive performance by pushing away another Bellingham header and denying Kane from a corner just before halftime.

England started the second half brightly but struggled to break Congo down until Tuchel turned to his bench. Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze were introduced as England searched for a way back into the match.

The changes paid off 15 minutes from time when Gordon delivered the cross for Kane to head in the equaliser. Gordon then provided the pass for the winning goal in the 86th minute, with Kane driving a powerful finish into the roof of the net for his 84th international goal.