Rabat – Harry Kane scored a late brace as England came from behind to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 and qualify for the World Cup round of 16.
DR Congo threatened to produce another major tournament upset after Brian Cipenga opened the scoring in the seventh minute at Atlanta Stadium.
The forward took advantage of a mistake in the England defense before finding the net and giving the African side a surprise lead.
England controlled possession after falling behind but struggled to turn their pressure into goals during the opening half.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced several important saves, while Chancel Mbemba and his defensive teammates protected the penalty area with discipline.
The Leopards entered halftime leading 1-0 and within 45 minutes of one of the biggest victories in their football history.
England increased their pressure after the break, with Jude Bellingham, Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford becoming more involved around the DR Congo penalty area.
The equalizer finally arrived in the 75th minute.
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Kane found space inside the box and directed a header beyond Mpasi to bring Thomas Tuchel’s team level.
The goal changed the momentum of the match and forced DR Congo to defend even deeper during the final stages.
England completed the comeback 11 minutes later when Kane collected the ball, created space for himself and drove a powerful finish into the net.
The England captain’s second goal ended DR Congo’s resistance and secured his country’s place in the next round.
England managed the remaining minutes without allowing the Leopards another clear opportunity to equalize.
DR Congo push England to the limit
Although their World Cup journey ended in Push England to the Limit
Although their World Cup journey ended in Atlanta, DR Congo produced another performance that reflected the progress made under head coach Sébastien Desabre.
They entered the match as clear underdogs but played without fear and immediately punished England’s defensive uncertainty.
Cipenga’s early goal gave the team confidence, while Mpasi’s saves kept them in front through a difficult period of sustained pressure.
DR Congo also had opportunities to extend their advantage before Kane’s equalizer, with England appearing vulnerable when the Leopards attacked quickly.
Their failure to score a second goal ultimately proved costly.
Once England equalized, the physical demands of defending for long periods began to show, allowing the Three Lions to take greater control.
Despite the defeat, DR Congo leave the tournament after completing a historic campaign.
They returned to the World Cup after a 52-year absence and reached the knockout stage for the first time under the country’s current name.
Their group-stage campaign included a draw with Portugal, a narrow defeat to Colombia and a comeback victory over Uzbekistan.
England advance to face Mexico
England will now face tournament co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16.
Mexico secured their place in the next stage by defeating Ecuador 2-0.
Tuchel’s team remain unbeaten at the World Cup after collecting seven points and finishing first in Group L.
However, the performance against DR Congo again showed that England can be vulnerable defensively and slow to create chances against an organized opponent.
The Three Lions required Kane’s finishing to rescue them after struggling for much of the match.
