--- title: "England sneak through on Kane’s double, but defensive rot persists" description: "Harry Kane’s two goals rescue England’s World Cup hopes against DR Congo, yet shaky defending raises fresh alarms ahead of the last-16 clash with Mexico." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/england-sneak-through-but-who-had-a-nightmare-start-playe-b7416095 published: 2026-07-03T09:53:53.603+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T09:53:53.603+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # England sneak through on Kane’s double, but defensive rot persists > Harry Kane’s two goals rescue England’s World Cup hopes against DR Congo, yet shaky defending raises fresh alarms ahead of the last-16 clash with Mexico. England’s World Cup campaign stayed alive on a knife-edge after Harry Kane’s 89th and 90+2nd-minute strikes turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the group stage. Kane’s heroics earned him a 9/10 rating from BBC Sport’s Alex Howell, but the late drama underscored the same defensive fragility that has shadowed England throughout the tournament. The Three Lions now advance to a last-16 tie with Mexico, a match that will demand far greater defensive solidity if Gareth Southgate’s side is to progress further. The rout began when DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba headed in from a set-piece in the 19th minute, exposing England’s aerial vulnerability. Southgate’s side struggled to assert control, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford forced into two sharp saves before the hour mark. Even after Kane’s equalizer in the 75th minute—a penalty awarded for a clumsy tackle on Bukayo Saka—England’s backline remained exposed, conceding space in midfield and inviting DR Congo’s counterattacks. The winner arrived in stoppage time when Kane pounced on a loose ball in the box after a scramble in the DR Congo penalty area, slotting home with his weaker left foot. BBC Sport England reporter Alex Howell described Kane’s performance as "elite," noting his composure under pressure and clinical finishing. But Howell also highlighted the "nervous moments" in defense, particularly England’s inability to deal with DR Congo’s physicality in midfield and set-pieces. The result leaves England with a record of one win and two draws in their opening three matches, a trajectory that would have been unthinkable had it not been for Kane’s last-gasp heroics. The defensive issues, however, remain a ticking time bomb. Southgate admitted post-match that England’s "defensive shape wasn’t right," acknowledging the need for urgent improvements. "We’ve got to be better," he said. "We can’t keep relying on individual brilliance to bail us out." The gauntlet is now thrown down ahead of the Mexico showdown, where a repeat of DR Congo’s defensive lapses could prove fatal against a far more tactically disciplined opponent. ## Why this matters England’s survival against DR Congo was a testament to Harry Kane’s clutch ability, but the performance laid bare the same defensive flaws that have hounded the team for years. The Three Lions’ path to the quarterfinals now hinges on whether Southgate can shore up a backline that has repeatedly crumbled under pressure. A deep run in this World Cup will require more than just Kane’s magic—it demands structural fixes that have long been missing. ## Frequently asked ### How did Harry Kane score his goals against DR Congo? Kane’s first goal was a penalty awarded for a foul on Bukayo Saka in the 75th minute. His second came in stoppage time after he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the DR Congo box, slotting home with his left foot. ### What were England’s defensive issues against DR Congo? England struggled with aerial duels, set-piece marking, and midfield control. DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba’s header exposed their vulnerability from dead-ball situations, while their backline repeatedly gave away space in transition. ### Who rated Harry Kane’s performance highest? BBC Sport England reporter Alex Howell gave Kane a 9/10 rating, calling his performance "elite" and praising his composure and finishing under pressure. ### What’s next for England in the World Cup? England face Mexico in the last-16 stage. The match will be a stern test of their defensive resolve, with Southgate’s side needing to tighten up to avoid an early exit. ### How many goals has Harry Kane scored in this World Cup so far? Kane has scored two goals in England’s opening three matches, both coming in the win over DR Congo. His tally stands at two goals, with the potential to add more in the knockout rounds. ## Sources & Citations - [England sneak through - but who had a nightmare start? Player ratings](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckg5x35zx04o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Football (2026-07-01) --- Cite: England sneak through on Kane’s double, but defensive rot persists. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/england-sneak-through-but-who-had-a-nightmare-start-playe-b7416095