01/07/2026
ENGLAND SURVIVE DR CONGO SCARE AS HARRY KANE FIRES THREE LIONS INTO LAST 16
By Silvester Tapfumaneyi
England are through to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup after staging a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over a spirited Democratic Republic of Congo side, thanks to a match-winning brace from captain Harry Kane.
The Three Lions were stunned when DR Congo took an early lead, putting England under immense pressure and raising the prospect of one of the tournament's biggest upsets. Despite dominating possession, England struggled to break down the resilient Congolese defence for much of the match.
With time running out, England's talisman Harry Kane rose to the occasion. The captain equalised with a powerful header before sealing the victory with a clinical finish, completing a remarkable comeback and sending England into the next round.
Kane's performance once again underlined his importance to the national team, with the experienced striker delivering when his country needed him most. His goals not only kept England's World Cup dream alive but also strengthened his legacy as one of England's greatest-ever forwards.
Despite the victory, England will be concerned by their defensive lapses and inability to create clear-cut chances for long periods of the match. Those weaknesses are likely to be tested further as the competition intensifies.
Meanwhile, DR Congo exit the tournament with their heads held high after producing a courageous display against one of football's traditional powerhouses. Their disciplined performance and fearless approach earned praise from football fans around the world, highlighting the growing strength and competitiveness of African football on the global stage.
England will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, hoping to build on this hard-fought victory as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.
