England are through to the last 16 of the World Cup — but only after Harry Kane rescued the Three Lions from a night that almost turned into a national nightmare.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were expected to control their round-of-32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta, but the game quickly became far more uncomfortable than England fans had imagined.
DR Congo stunned the favourites inside the opening minutes when Brian Cipenga punished a defensive mistake to give his side a shock lead. Suddenly, England were chasing the match, and the pressure around the stadium changed completely.
For much of the contest, the Three Lions looked frustrated, nervous and short of ideas. Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Kane all had moments, but DR Congo defended with discipline and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced several important saves to keep England out.
As the clock ticked down, the possibility of a huge World Cup upset began to feel very real.
Then came the change that altered the match.
Anthony Gordon entered the game and gave England the sharpness they had been missing. His pace and direct running immediately stretched DR Congo, and his delivery helped turn pressure into punishment.
In the 75th minute, Gordon created the opening for Kane to level the score. The England captain, so often the man trusted in the biggest moments, found the finish England desperately needed.
But Kane was not done.
With just minutes remaining, he struck again to complete the comeback and finally break DR Congo’s resistance. It was a captain’s rescue act, a moment of cold finishing when England’s World Cup hopes were wobbling badly.
The 2-1 win sends England into a last-16 meeting with Mexico, but the performance will leave serious questions for Tuchel. England survived, yet they looked vulnerable for long stretches against a side many expected them to beat more comfortably.
DR Congo exit with pride after pushing one of the tournament favourites to the edge.
England march on.
But if the Three Lions dream is to continue, they may need more than another Harry Kane escape act.
