ATLANTA : Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes as England came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on Wednesday, avoiding a major World Cup upset and booking a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
England trailed for more than an hour after Brian Cipenga’s early opener before captain Kane rescued Thomas Tuchel’s side with a 75th-minute header and a thunderous winner four minutes from time.
The victory sends England to Mexico City for Sunday’s Round of 16 clash after surviving a determined challenge from the tournament underdogs.
“First shot, first goal. Then, it became even more difficult,” Tuchel told reporters.
“After the first water break, we were on top of the game. The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. It was well deserved, but we had to work a lot.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo stunned England in the seventh minute when captain Chancel Mbemba’s long pass found Cipenga unmarked on the left.
The winger drove a powerful right-footed shot past Jordan Pickford at the near post to score his first international goal.
England responded by dominating possession but found goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in outstanding form.
Declan Rice nearly levelled when his free kick deflected narrowly wide before another excellent delivery from the midfielder found Jude Bellingham, whose header was brilliantly tipped away by Mpasi.
Marcus Rashford then saw an effort cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Mpasi produced further saves to deny both Bellingham and Kane, who also had a penalty appeal rejected.
The Congolese nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Wan-Bissaka’s cross was diverted onto the post by Yoane Wissa.
Mpasi continued to frustrate England after the interval with another fine one-handed save from Bellingham as the favourites struggled to break down a disciplined defence.
Tuchel responded by introducing fresh attackers and England’s pressure finally told in the 75th minute.
Substitute Anthony Gordon delivered a cross from the left and Kane escaped his marker to head the ball into the net.
The England captain completed the turnaround four minutes from time with a spectacular strike from the edge of the penalty area, driving an effort at almost 100 kilometres per hour beyond Mpasi.
The goal was Kane’s 13th at World Cup finals, moving him ahead of Pele on the competition’s all-time scoring list.
England now face co-hosts Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals after surviving a stern examination from a spirited Democratic Republic of Congo side.
