England 2-1 DR Congo: Harry Kane Scores Twice to Send Three Lions Into World Cup Last 16 Against Mexico

England came from behind to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice in the second half to book the Three Lions' place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory sets up a knockout clash against co-hosts Mexico after Thomas Tuchel's side survived an early scare and mounted a spirited comeback.

DR Congo stunned England just seven minutes into the match when Brian Cipenga fired the African side into the lead, exposing England's sluggish start.

England struggled to respond in the opening half and were fortunate not to fall further behind before the break. DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa missed a golden opportunity to double his team's advantage, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was called into action on several occasions.

Despite dominating possession, England found it difficult to break down a disciplined Congolese defence, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing a string of impressive saves to frustrate Marcus Rashford, Jude Bellingham and the rest of the English attack.

Tuchel reshuffled his side in the second half, introducing Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze in search of an equaliser.

The changes transformed England's attack.

Kane finally restored parity in the 75th minute, heading home Gordon's looping cross from close range to score his fifth goal of the tournament.

With extra time looming, England completed the turnaround four minutes from time.

Receiving the ball just outside the penalty area, Kane turned sharply before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner, leaving Mpasi with no chance and sending England's supporters into celebration.

The dramatic winner secured a 2-1 victory and spared England from a shock World Cup exit.

Speaking after the match, Kane praised his team's resilience.
"It feels amazing. It was a tough game against a very organised team," he said.
"It was probably our best attacking performance of the tournament. In knockout football, you have to find a way to win, and today we did."

England manager Thomas Tuchel also commended his players' determination after conceding early.
"We kept believing, kept creating chances and eventually found a way," Tuchel said.
"It was a deserved victory. Harry is here to decide these kinds of matches."

The brace also moved Kane further up the list of the highest goalscorers in World Cup history, taking his overall tally to 13 goals and strengthening his challenge for the tournament's Golden Boot with five goals in the 2026 edition.

England will now travel to Mexico City to face co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

For DR Congo, the defeat ends an impressive World Cup campaign in which they pushed one of the tournament favourites to the brink before ultimately falling to Kane's brilliance.