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FWC: BEL v SEN live on SN ExtraKane's magnificent double keeps nervy England alive
AP • July 2nd, 2026 7:37 am
Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring his first goal to set England on the path to a 2-1 victory | Photo: AP
Harry Kane's brace has saved England from World Cup humiliation as Thomas Tuchel's men survived an almighty scare against the Democratic Republic of Congo to set up a mouth-watering clash with co-hosts Mexico.
England trailed for most of the match after Brian Cipenga put DR Congo ahead with a seventh-minute goal before Kane found the equaliser with a headed goal in the 75th minute.
Eleven minutes later, Kane scored his 13th career World Cup goal - three more than any other England player - taking a pass on the edge of the penalty box and unleashing a magnificent shot into the top-right corner of the net.
England's Harry Kane (9) drives in the winning goal in his side's 2-1 victory over DR Congo | Photo: AP
Kane said: "We spoke about people having hero moments and for me it was the day."
A decade on from the humbling Euros exit to Iceland, history threatened to repeat itself as England stumbled for large periods and struggled to beat inspired DC Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
This was the first time they had won a World Cup match after conceding first since the 1966 final but Wednesday's often uncertain display raises huge questions as to whether they can make it past Mexico, never mind reach the final.
DR Congo, playing in the first ever knockout match on this stage, all too easily exposed England's defence and Yoane Wissa hit the goal frame towards the end of a half when Kane felt he was wrongly denied a penalty.
Tension and audible frustration grew as the second half wore on, only for substitute Anthony Gordon to twice set up his captain to secure a comeback win and last-16 date with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
Gordon lifted over a cross from the left and Kane's header just had too much for Mpasi, setting up a box office conclusion.
England's Harry Kane heads home the equaliser against DR Congo in the round-of-32 clash in Atlanta | Photo: AP
Elliot Anderson curled just on to the roof of the net, DR Congo survived some penalty-box pinball and Jude Bellingham was stopped, before the 86th minute brought English joy.
Kane received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and smartly made space to unleash a fierce drive into the roof of the net.
Kane said: "It feels amazing to be honest. Crazy game. Congo were a tough, organised team but after the first hydration break we upped the level a bit."
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England are under massive pressure to perform in Round of 32 | Sport Nation
