England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after Harry Kane struck twice in the closing stages to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo on Wednesday.
England looked on course for a shock exit after Brian Cipenga’s early strike handed DR Congo a surprise lead.
But Kane’s late double turned the tie around to send Thomas Tuchel’s side through to the last 16, where co-hosts Mexico now await.
The Three Lions dominated possession and created a string of opportunities, with DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing several outstanding saves to frustrate Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford as England struggled to find a way through.
Match recap
Despite the setbacks, Tuchel’s side continued to push and finally found the breakthrough 15 minutes from time.
Kane met a teasing cross with a powerful header to level the scores before producing the decisive moment in the 86th minute, drilling home the winner to complete England’s comeback and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The brace underlined Kane’s reputation for delivering on the biggest stage, with the England captain once again stepping forward when his side needed him most.
Tuchel: ‘It’s what we expect from Kane’
Tuchel was unsurprised to see his captain decide another crucial knockout fixture.
“It’s what we expect from him,” Tuchel told the BBC, quoted on Sky Sports. “It’s what he expects from himself.
“Difficult matches, close matches – Harry’s here to decide them. Top level.”
Tuchel also praised his team’s resilience after recovering from an early setback.
“You have to deal with each situation that comes. They got a very early goal.
“After the water break, we had four or five opportunities. The penalty situation didn’t go in our favour,” he added.
“We kept knocking, knocking and knocking. The reaction and belief is one of a kind. We found a way to win. Well deserved.”
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Kane: Congo were ‘tough and organised’
Kane admitted DR Congo had made life difficult but felt England’s persistence eventually paid off.
“It feels amazing to be honest,” the England superstar said.
“What a crazy game. First and foremost, we’re playing against a tough and organised team.
“After that first hydration break, we upped the level. The keeper made some unbelievable saves. But keep going and the moments would come.
England’s strongest attacking display
“From an attacking point of view, it’s the best performance so far,” Kane added.
“We are in the part of the tournament where we have to grind wins out.
“I just told the boys to enjoy it. Sometimes as an England player, you don’t celebrate how you should.
“The same as every other nation, we’re through – enjoy it. Over the 90 minutes, we’re tough to handle,” he concluded.
England will now turn their attention to a last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico, knowing another performance of resilience, and another decisive contribution from Harry Kane – could take them a step closer to World Cup glory.
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Michael Davey 
Simon Wilkes