Harry Kane Fires England into World Cup Last 16

Harry Kane's brace saved England from an embarrassing early exit from the World Cup as they came from behind to win 2-1 against a spirited DR Congo in the Round of 32.

The Three Lions will face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City in the Round of 16.

DR Congo took a surprise early lead when Brian Cipenga beat Jordan Pickford at his near post with a first-time shot.

DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi frustrated England with superb saves to close-range efforts from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.

Yoane Wissa also hit the post for the Leopards, nearly doubling their lead and it took 73 minutes for England to finally broke through.

Substitute Anthony Gordon delivered a precise cross, allowing Kane to escape his marker and head home the equaliser.

Captain Kane 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿💥#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/yPY7MESbmz

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In the 86th minute, Kane completed the turnaround, collecting another pass from Gordon at the edge of the area before blasting a powerful strike into the top-right corner.

Player of the Match:Harry Kane (England)

After the match Thomas Tuchel, England coach said,"We kept believing. We had the worst start possible. First shot, first goal. Then, it became even more difficult. After the first water break, we were on top of the game ... The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. Well deserved, but we had to work a lot. We have to have that mindset if it's getting hard, it's getting hard, but don't lose patience and don't lose belief. The guy [goalkeeper Mpasi] was incredible the kind of saves he was making."

You voted Harry Kane @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match! 👑

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/JDZSLbv9rA

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 1, 2026