England narrowly avoided one of the biggest upsets in their FIFA World Cup history, relying on two late goals from captain Harry Kane to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.
In a tense encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s side was forced to dig deep after falling behind just seven minutes into the match. DR Congo, making their first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout stage, stunned the heavily favored English side when Brian Cipenga slotted home his first international goal. Chancel Mbemba flicked a crossfield pass into the path of an unmarked Cipenga, who calmly fired a low strike past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.
The early deficit clearly rattled England, who struggled to establish a rhythm for much of the first half. While Jude Bellingham eventually tested Lionel Mpasi with a pair of headers, the DR Congo goalkeeper stood firm, producing a series of sensational saves to preserve his team’s historic lead. Moments before halftime, Yoane Wissa nearly doubled the advantage for the Leopards, agonizingly turning Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross onto the post.
Desperate for an attacking spark, Tuchel turned to his bench in the second half, bringing on Anthony Gordon. The substitution proved to be the pivotal turning point. In the 75th minute, Gordon delivered a perfectly chipped cross from the right flank, finding Kane, who powered a header past Mpasi to finally equalize.
With momentum firmly swung in their favor and extra time looming, England pressed relentlessly for a winner. In the 86th minute, Kane delivered the decisive blow. Receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area, the prolific striker turned sharply and unleashed an unstoppable, rising shot into the top right corner. The sensational strike marked his 13th career World Cup goal, moving him further into the record books.
The dramatic turnaround secures England’s place in the Round of 16 for a third successive tournament. The Three Lions will now face co-hosts Mexico in a highly anticipated clash in Mexico City on July 6, breathing a massive sigh of relief after a night of high drama in Atlanta.
