--- title: "Kane scores twice as England come from behind to reach last 16" description: "Harry Kane’s brace lifts England past DR Congo in a nervy World Cup win, setting up a knockout clash with Mexico in the Round of 16." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/kane-scores-twice-as-england-come-from-behind-to-reach-last-3b9e8bcc published: 2026-07-03T09:42:11.046+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T09:42:11.046+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Kane scores twice as England come from behind to reach last 16 > Harry Kane’s brace lifts England past DR Congo in a nervy World Cup win, setting up a knockout clash with Mexico in the Round of 16. England survived a scare in Atlanta, but Harry Kane’s two goals sealed a 2-1 win over DR Congo and a place in the World Cup last 16. The Three Lions fell behind to a first-half penalty from Arthur Masuaku, but Kane equalised on 45+2 and completed his brace in the 86th minute to keep Gareth Southgate’s side in the tournament. The nervy finish underlined the gulf between expectation and reality for England, who now face a far stiffer test against Mexico in the knockout stages. The win was far from convincing. DR Congo pressed hard in the opening exchanges, and Masuaku’s 27th-minute penalty—converted after a VAR review upheld the decision—left England staring down the barrel of an upset. Southgate’s side struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence, mustering just five shots on target before halftime. The introduction of Ollie Watkins after the break shifted the balance, and Kane’s equaliser arrived in stoppage time, a low drive past Lionel Mpasi from the edge of the box. The second goal was vintage Kane: a poacher’s finish after a scramble in the six-yard box following a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross. The captain’s composure under pressure masked a performance that lacked rhythm and creativity. Jordan Henderson and Conor Gallagher offered little in midfield, and England’s attack laboured against a resolute back five. Still, the points are what mattered, and Kane’s 30th and 31st goals of the calendar year kept England’s World Cup hopes alive. Gareth Southgate admitted post-match that his side were ‘not at their best,’ but praised the ‘big-game mentality’ that produced the late winner. ‘We knew this would be tough,’ Southgate said. ‘DR Congo showed real spirit, and credit to Harry for stepping up when it mattered.’ The win sets up a blockbuster last-16 tie with Mexico, a side England have not beaten in competitive fixtures since 2001. What’s next: England’s last-16 clash with Mexico in Houston on December 6 arrives with added intensity. Southgate must address his side’s lack of fluidity and creativity if they are to progress further. Mexico, meanwhile, arrive in confident form after topping their group, and a defeat would end England’s tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher. The narrow escape exposed structural frailties. England’s midfield, bereft of a true playmaker, ceded control in central areas, allowing DR Congo’s deep blocks to frustrate possession. Henderson’s lack of incisiveness and Gallagher’s limited range stifled transitions, while the backline—despite Southgate’s adjustments—struggled with the physicality of DR Congo’s forwards. The absence of Jude Bellingham, suspended for this match, was palpable; his absence in Houston would compound the challenge against Mexico. Tactically, Southgate’s reliance on Kane as the sole focal point of the attack proved effective but unsustainable. The Congolese defence, marshalled by Mbemba and Joël Kimwaki, absorbed pressure with minimal risk, inviting England to shoot from distance—a strategy that paid dividends when Kane’s late strikes broke the deadlock. Against Mexico, a team that presses aggressively and transitions with speed, England’s conservative approach may prove terminal unless Southgate deploys a more dynamic system. Gareth Southgate admitted post-match that his side were ‘not at their best,’ but praised the ‘big-game mentality’ that produced the late winner. ‘We knew this would be tough,’ Southgate said. ‘DR Congo showed real spirit, and credit to Harry for stepping up when it mattered.’ The win sets up a blockbuster last-16 tie with Mexico, a side England have not beaten in competitive fixtures since 2001. What’s next: England’s last-16 clash with Mexico in Houston on December 6 arrives with added intensity. Southgate must address his side’s lack of fluidity and creativity if they are to progress further. Mexico, meanwhile, arrive in confident form after topping their group, and a defeat would end England’s tournament. The stakes couldn’t be higher. ## Why this matters England’s survival in Atlanta was a reminder that knockout football is a brutal lottery. Kane’s heroics masked deeper issues—creativity, midfield control, and defensive composure—all of which will be ruthlessly exposed by Mexico. The Three Lions are now one win away from equalling their best-ever World Cup finish, but the road ahead demands far more than late drama. This is a tournament where form is fleeting, and Kane’s ability to deliver in crunch moments remains England’s only reliable currency. The narrow win over DR Congo also highlighted the fragility of England’s squad depth; with key midfielders underperforming and a lack of alternative attacking options, the margin for error in Houston is razor-thin. ## Frequently asked ### What was the key moment in England’s win over DR Congo? Harry Kane’s 45+2 equaliser, a low drive from the edge of the box after a VAR-reviewed penalty had put DR Congo ahead. The goal shifted momentum and set up Kane’s 86th-minute winner. ### How did DR Congo trouble England in the first half? DR Congo took the lead through Arthur Masuaku’s 27th-minute penalty, awarded after a VAR review upheld a foul on Chancel Mbemba. They pressed aggressively and forced England into uncharacteristic errors in midfield. ### What are England’s next opponents in the World Cup? Mexico, in a last-16 clash in Houston on December 6. England have not beaten Mexico in competitive fixtures since 2001, adding pressure to Southgate’s side. ### How many goals has Harry Kane scored for England this year? Kane has now scored 31 goals in 2024, with his brace against DR Congo taking his tally to 30 and 31 for the calendar year. ### Where was the match between England and DR Congo played? Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue where England also faced Brazil in a pre-tournament friendly. ### Why was Jude Bellingham absent for England’s match against DR Congo? Bellingham served a suspension after receiving a yellow card in England’s previous group-stage match. His absence disrupted the midfield’s ability to control tempo and transition play. ## Sources & Citations - [Kane scores twice as England come from behind to reach last 16](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/cx2j83vg72go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Football (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Kane scores twice as England come from behind to reach last 16. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/kane-scores-twice-as-england-come-from-behind-to-reach-last-3b9e8bcc