Harry Kane was England’s hero yet again as the Three Lions just about secured progress into the World Cup round of 16. England were facing total humiliation as they trailed DR Congo 1-0 with just 15 minutes remaining of Wednesday’s tense last-32 tie in Atlanta, courtesy of an early strike from Brian Cipenga. The favourites started dreadfully and looked abject in defence, before stepping things up after the first-half hydration break and finding DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in inspired form as he repeatedly thwarted Jude Bellingham in particular.
Yoane Wissa hit the post in a massive reprieve for England and Kane was then controversially denied a penalty for Mpasi’s risky challenge on the stroke of half-time. Thomas Tuchel was visibly furious as his side laboured again after the break, only for Kane to rescue them by heading in the equaliser from substitute Anthony Gordon’s cross. All the momentum was suddenly with England and the turnaround was completed four minutes from time when Gordon again found Kane, who made space inside the box and rifled his second goal into the roof of the net.
There was a last-gasp scare for England as Yoane Wissa sent a free-kick fizzing over Jordan Pickford’s crossbar, but they held on to secure a daunting last-16 showdown with co-hosts Mexico at their high-altitude Estadio Azteca fortress on Sunday night. Follow England vs DR Congo reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s England correspondent Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium.
England vs DR Congo highlights
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Three things we learned as Kane saves England's World Cup dream
A mouthwatering clash with Mexico in Mexico City beckons for England, but how close they came to perhaps the most humiliating exit from a major tournament in their history, writes Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium.
Harry Kane has now scored more World Cup goals than Pele, and it was his endurance, and enduring brilliance, that saved England from exiting at the round of 32 stage to a superb DR Congo side.
The Atlanta Stadium was a beautiful setting for the game, just as Thomas Tuchel had said it would be, and gave rise to a buoyant atmosphere throughout, trapping all the noise and colour in.
But it nearly had England trapped, too. They made it out eventually but trailed to Brian Cipenga’s opening goal for all of 68 minutes before Kane scored the first of a brace to send the Three Lions to the Azteca.
Harry Kane reacts after England rescue act
Here is England’s man of the moment, Harry Kane, speaking to the BBC a little earlier on.
"It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. They are a tough team and then after that first break we were much better and their keeper made some unbelievable saves.
“We spoke about people having hero moments and it can be anyone. It was me today.
“We spoke all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to work on for sure and these rounds are just about getting through.
“We are in the part of the tournament when you have to grind wins out, and that's what we have done today.
“We are the same as every other nation. We are through, so enjoy it. I want them to enjoy it with the fans, and then we go again in four days.
“We spoke after the Croatian game about subs making an impact and you saw that again. Over 90 minutes, we are tough to handle.
“I am pleased for everyone involved and hopefully we'll keep it going.”
Amazing scenes after the full-time whistle in Atlanta...
England players serenaded by Wonderwall
Kane soaks up the adulation of fans and team-mates as the England players are once again serenaded by an emotional rendition of Oasis classic Wonderwall.
Unforgettable moments.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Full-time
It’s all over in Atlanta!
Sluggish England were just 15 minutes away from total World Cup humiliation, until a remarkable brace from captain fantastic Harry Kane.
I need a lie-down after that. Heartbreak for DR Congo, who have been so impressive at this tournament.
England are into the last 16, where they will face in-form co-hosts Mexico at their formidable high-altitude Estadio Azteca fortress in Mexico City, where they have only ever lost twice.
That game is at 1am BST on Monday morning.
England 2-1 DR Congo
97 mins: It’s not bad from Wissa, but wasn’t getting down in time and whistles over.
Pickford had it covered.
That should be that!
England 2-1 DR Congo
96 mins: Last-gasp danger for England as Bellingham clumsily brings down Wissa - should he have received a second yellow card?
Two nations hold their collective breath as Wissa steps up...
England 2-1 DR Congo
92 mins: Pickford gratefully watches one float wide before Guehi then makes a risky tackle inside the box.
England actually have a free-kick for an initial foul on the Manchester City centre-back.
England 2-1 DR Congo
90 mins: Kane wants his hat-trick, but fires over from long range.
We will have SIX minutes of added time in Atlanta.
DR Congo have sent on Mayele and Kayembe for Moutoussamy and Masuaku.
GOAL! England 2-1 DR Congo | Harry Kane 86'
86 mins: HE’S ONLY GONE AND DONE IT AGAIN!
Kane is an expert at making space for himself inside the box and now smashes an unstoppable second goal into the roof of the net, sparking pandemonium among the travelling England fans.
Mpasi had no chance with that one.
Truly heroic stuff from England’s inspirational captain. Remarkable.
What a turnaround. Where would they be without him?!