Harry Kane scored a brace to knock DR Congo out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday night despite the African side taking an early lead.
With seven minutes played, a beautiful switch of play from Chancel Mbemba was allowed to bounce over to Almeria winger Brian Cipenga on the left, and he had plenty of time and space to lash it low past Pickford at his near post, putting DR Congo in the lead with his first-ever international goal.
Congo held on to their lead despite several attempts by the Three Lions, which saw Harry Kane’s effort saved by Lionel Mpasi-Nzu, who made six brilliant saves.
Marcus Rashford would have also equalized for Thomas Tuchel’s men, but a goal-line clearance by Aaron Wan-Bissaka denied the Manchester United star before Yoane Wissa nearly extended the lead after hitting the post right before the half-time break.
In the second stanza, England continued pressing the Congolese, and after several attempts, Kane finally equalized in the 74th minute after heading home a brilliant cross into the box from Anthony Gordon to extend his tally in the 2026 edition to four goals.
Following the goal, England gained momentum with the introduction of Bukayo Saka, and Gordon seemed to have changed the tempo of the game, putting more pressure on the Leopards.
With just four minutes remaining, Gordon connected once again with Kane, who made no mistake by striking a superb shot high into the right side of the goal to make it 2-1 for the Three Lions.
That goal was all that England needed to advance to the round of 16, where they will face co-host Mexico.
For Congo, their fairy-tale journey ends here after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in history.
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