Harry Kane rescued England from World Cup disaster with two late goals as the Three Lions beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta to secure a place in the last 16.
Needing to win a major tournament in 60 years, Thomas Tuchel’s men were spared from humiliation and one the most embarrassing World Cup exits after Brian Cipenga’s goal gave Congo an early start, keeping faith with their talismanic captain.
But the Three Lions will have to find another level as they take on the tournament’s co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in last 16 action on Sunday. Kane is already England’s record World Cup goalscorer and now has 13 tournament goals overall, with five coming at the competition so far, keeping himself right in the Golden Boot race.
Kane stated the obvious when he said” What a crazy game, obviously I think you need to remain patient in these games.
Their goalkeeper certainly made some miraculous saves in the first half. And it was essentially just pound the rock, keep pounding the rock and our time will come.
Congo’s Cinderella story on their World Cup return after 52 years ended in defeat.
Only weeks ago, the Leopards had never even picked up a World Cup point or scored a goal but had one of the pre-tournament favourites on the ropes.
Tuchel made two changes from the victory over Panama as Declan Rice returned in midfield, while Djed Spence came at right-back with Reece James and Jarell Quansah both injured.
Congo’s success down that flank will only add to the scrutiny facing the German coach for not picking more specialist cover at right back in a 26-man squad.
Spence was caught underneath Chancel Mbemba’s ball and Cipenga slotted home. The shot from the Almeria winger was low and hard but Jordan Pickford should have done better blocked it at his near post.
And all this while the vast majority of the near 70,000 crowd draped in England red and white looked on in silence as Tuchel’s players were visibly shaken.
Jude Bellingham was dismissed with a yellow card after a lunge lunge and then exchanged verbal blows with his coach during the mid-half hydration break.
It did at least give the chance for Tuchel to attempt to settle things down after a stoppage in play.
Finally in action was DR Congo ‘keeper Lionel Mpasi, who endured a steady if sedate half before being forced to intervene by a Bellingham header from Declan Rice’s cross.
Nervy first half
Shortly afterwards London-born Aaron Wan Bissaka blocked a powerful effort from Marcus Rashford on the line after Noni Madueke’s jinking run stretched the Congo defence.
It could have been worse for England at the break, though.
Yoane Wissa scored a hat-trick in the group stage to propel his country to their first-ever World Cup knockout stages and Newcastle frontman Gordon thought he had doubled the DR Congo lead but from just yards away, hit the outside of the post.
Kane exploded when he saw another chance to shoot go away as he tried to evade Mpasi, but fell inside the area, with no penalty awarded at the other end.
And after a bullet header from England captain Bellingham failed to beat Le Harve stopper Mpasi, who flew across with another superb parry, the Frenchman then denied Kane from a corner with the last action of the first half.
England had lost their momentum after a bright start to the second period and were running out of ideas until Tuchel emptied his artillery off the subs bench.
Tuchel sent on Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in the search of an equaliser.
Kane finally broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time when he got on the end of a cross from new Barcelona recruit Gordon to score with a downward header as Mpasi’s clean sheet came crashing down.
Kane rifled a ferocious drive into the roof of the net for his 84th international goal, with Gordon also providing an assist for the 86th minute winner after Kane did all the hard work.