Johannesburg, South Africa — In a dramatic encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, England captain Harry Kane rose to the occasion, scoring two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory over DR Congo and advance to the round of 16.
The match, which took place at Atlanta’s futuristic stadium, saw England recover from an early setback to avoid a repeat of their infamous losses to Iceland and the United States in previous tournaments.
The match was pivotal for England’s aspirations of progressing further in the competition. Amidst concerns about their performance, the win over DR Congo served as a significant morale boost for the team, with BBC football writer Phil McNulty praising Kane’s pivotal role in the comeback. Kane’s first goal, a header in the 75th minute, leveled the score, and his second, a powerful strike into the top corner in the 86th minute, sealed the victory and sent the Three Lions into the quarterfinals.
DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was recognized for his exceptional performance, including a crucial save from a Harry Kane header. Despite the defeat, the African nation’s performance was hailed as a remarkable achievement, marking their first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout round. Kane’s heroics were celebrated across media outlets, with Wayne Rooney, former England striker, hailing him as “England’s superstar. “.
The Daily Mail included Rooney’s concerns about England’s chances in the tournament and the selection of players, reflecting the pressure on the team and its leadership.
As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on Kane’s ability to lead England to further success. His performance against DR Congo has been widely praised, and expectations are high as the team prepares for a significant test against co-hosts Mexico at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: euronews sport



