Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from a shock FIFA World Cup 2026 exit, leading the Three Lions to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta. England trailed early after Brian Cipenga's opener and survived a major scare before Kane's late brace secured a place in the Round of 16, where Thomas Tuchel's side will face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The victory keeps England's hopes of ending its 60 year wait for a major international trophy alive, but the performance raised fresh questions about the team's form heading into the knockout rounds.
Congo stuns England with early breakthrough
The Democratic Republic of Congo made a dream start after Brian Cipenga capitalised on defensive uncertainty to put the underdogs ahead.
England struggled to recover from the early setback, with Jordan Pickford unable to keep out Cipenga's low effort at his near post.
The goal silenced the largely England supporting crowd and gave Congo confidence as it chased one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked rattled throughout much of the opening half, with misplaced passes and defensive lapses allowing the Leopards to remain on top.
Penalty controversy dominates first half
The game's biggest talking point came just before half time when Harry Kane went down under pressure from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Kane appealed immediately for a penalty, but referee Adham Makhadmeh waved play on.
The Video Assistant Referee conducted a review but did not recommend an on field review, allowing the original decision to stand.
The call sparked strong reactions from England supporters and pundits.
Television commentators questioned the decision, while Michael Owen described the incident as an "absolute disgrace" and believed England should have been awarded a spot kick.
Tuchel also expressed his disappointment after the match, stating that England should have received a penalty.
However, former Premier League referee Graham Scott defended the decision, arguing Kane had exaggerated the contact by dragging his foot into the goalkeeper, creating doubt for the referee.
Kane delivers when England needed him most
England finally found the breakthrough with 15 minutes remaining.
Substitute Anthony Gordon delivered an inviting cross that Kane powered home with a downward header to level the scores.
The captain was not finished.
Four minutes from full time, Gordon again created the opportunity before Kane unleashed a powerful finish into the roof of the net to complete the comeback.
The goals took Kane to 13 career World Cup goals and five for the current tournament, strengthening his challenge for the Golden Boot.
Tuchel's substitutions change the match
England struggled to break down Congo's disciplined defence for much of the contest.
Tuchel responded by introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze from the bench.
The changes transformed England's attack, with Gordon directly assisting both of Kane's goals.
The substitutions provided the pace and creativity England had lacked throughout the opening hour and ultimately proved decisive.
Mexico awaits in the Round of 16
England now advances to face co-host Mexico in what shapes as one of the biggest matches of the knockout stage.
Mexico enters the contest full of confidence after progressing with impressive performances earlier in the tournament.
England, meanwhile, knows it must significantly improve if it hopes to continue its World Cup campaign.
Despite escaping elimination, defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of attacking fluency remain concerns ahead of the clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Fairytale run comes to an end
The defeat ended a memorable tournament for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Playing at the World Cup for the first time in more than five decades, the Leopards exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout rounds and pushing one of the tournament favourites to the brink.
Although their campaign ended in heartbreak, Congo earned widespread admiration with its fearless performances throughout the competition.
England now moves forward, but after surviving one of the biggest scares of the tournament, Tuchel's side knows tougher challenges lie ahead.
