England Won Against DR Congo As Kane's Late Double Seals Round Of 16 Spot

ATLANTA: Harry Kane rescued England’s FIFA World Cup campaign with a sensational late double as Thomas Tuchel’s side survived an almighty scare to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2–1.

For 75 minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Three Lions stared down the barrel of their most humiliating knockout exit since Euro 2016. The Leopards, ranked 41st in the world, took a shocking lead after just seven minutes. Exploiting an uncharacteristic defensive lapse on England's right flank, Brian Cipenga unleashed a low, powerful strike that flew past Jordan Pickford.

Rattled and frantic, England spent the next hour suffocated by a disciplined Congolese low block. Frustrations boiled over when a lengthy VAR review controversially denied Kane a first-half penalty. When Jude Bellingham did break through, he found Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in inspired form, producing world-class saves. 

On the counter, DR Congo remained lethal, with Yoane Wissa rattling the post.With time ticking away and Tuchel throwing men forward into a desperate 4-1-5 formation, England finally cracked the Congolese wall in the 75th minute. Anthony Gordon delivered a pinpoint, hanging cross to the back post, where Kane rose highest to head home the equalizer.

The momentum shifted entirely, setting up a grandstand finish. In the 86th minute, Bellingham’s blocked effort fell to Gordon, who smartly fed his captain. Swarmed by blue shirts, Kane found a yard of space and smashed a rocket into the top-right corner to seal a breathless victory.

It was heartbreak for a heroic DR Congo side, but tournament football favors the clinical. England marches on to the Round of 16, where an intimidating showdown with co-hosts Mexico awaits at the Estadio Azteca.