England survived a dramatic scare against DR Congo to secure their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Harry Kane proved once again why he is indispensable to this England side, scoring twice to overturn a deficit and send the Three Lions through.
DR Congo opened the scoring through Brian Cipenga, whose shot beat Jordan Pickford at his near post in what was a hugely disappointing moment for the England goalkeeper.
Pickford was not alone in his struggles, with the entire back four looking vulnerable throughout a first half that raised serious questions about England’s defensive organisation.
Djed Spence had a particularly difficult afternoon, caught in an awkward position for the opener after missing a header while tracking a runner into the box.
Marc Guehi, usually so reliable for Manchester City in the Premier League, was unconvincing as part of a back four that looked susceptible to DR Congo’s attacking play.
Declan Rice was one of England’s better performers, looking to impose himself on the game after going behind and posing a consistent threat from corners and set-pieces.
Anthony Gordon proved to be the match-changing substitute, providing the cross for Kane’s equalising header before also assisting the captain’s decisive second goal.
Kane’s first was an excellent header that levelled the contest, before a second emphatic finish carried England into a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
Bukayo Saka came on from the bench and combined well with Rice, who had dropped into a right-back position in the latter stages of the match.
Jude Bellingham tried to inject energy into a below-par England performance but was booked for a late challenge and saw two headers saved by the impressive Lionel Mpasi.
Eberechi Eze, brought on as England chased an equaliser, offered something different in attack and was involved in the build-up to Kane’s crucial late goal.
Noni Madueke showed plenty of energy from his position on the right but questions continued to surround his end product before he was replaced by Saka in the second half.
England now face a significant step up in quality when they take on co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16, and Gareth Southgate’s successor will need far greater defensive solidity if this run is to continue.
