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England's Harry Kane celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Nick Potts/PA Wire/dpa
Harry Kane’s brace saved England from World Cup humiliation as Thomas Tuchel’s men survived an almighty scare against the Democratic Republic of the Congo to set up a mouth-watering clash with co-hosts Mexico.
A decade on from the humiliating Euros exit to Iceland, history threatened to repeat itself on Wednesday as Brian Cipenga’s early strike meant they faced the prospect of falling at the first knock-out hurdle to unfancied opposition.
England stumbled for large periods and struggled to beat inspired Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but Tuchel’s men kept their cool – and at times rode their luck – as Kane’s second-half double completed a 2-1 comeback win in the round of 32.
This was the first time they had won a World Cup match after conceding first since winning the 1966 final and Wednesday’s rocky display raises huge questions as to whether they can make it past Mexico, never mind reach the final.
Congo, playing in the first ever knock-out match on this stage, all too easily exposed England’s defence and Yoane Wissa hit the goal frame towards the end of a half while Kane felt he was wrongly denied a penalty.
Tension and audible frustration grew as the second half wore on, only for substitute Anthony Gordon to twice set up his captain to secure a comeback win and last-16 date with Mexico at the Azteca.
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England's Harry Kane scores their side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
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England's Harry Kane celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Nick Potts/PA Wire/dpa
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England's Harry Kane (Bottom Left) scores his sides second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Nick Potts/PA Wire/dpa
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England's Harry Kane (L) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Martin Rickett/PA Wire/dpa
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England's Harry Kane scores their side's second goal of the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between England and DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. Bradley Collyer/PA Wire/dpa
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