Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes as England rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16 after surviving one of its toughest tests of the tournament.

The Congolese side, playing in its first-ever World Cup knockout stage match, stunned the favorites early when winger Brian Cipenga capitalized on an opening in the seventh minute. Cipenga controlled a cross from Chancel Mbemba on the left side of the penalty area and drove a low right-footed effort past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post. DR Congo nearly doubled its advantage before the intermission, but forward Yoane Wissa saw his close-range effort bounce off the woodwork.

England’s tactical adjustments after the break proved decisive, particularly the inclusion of substitute Anthony Gordon, who provided both assists for the turnaround. The equalizer came in the 75th minute when Gordon floated a cross from the left wing, allowing Kane to shake off his marker and direct a header past Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

With extra time approaching, Kane struck again in the 86th minute to seal the victory. Receiving a pass from Gordon at the edge of the penalty box, the captain pivoted and unleashed a powerful, rising shot into the top-right corner of the net. Following the final whistle, England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed immense relief during his post-match comments to the BBC, noting that “the reaction and belief was one of a kind … we found a way to win … it was well deserved”.

The result preserves England’s historically unbeaten record against African opposition at the World Cup. Moving forward, the team will travel to Mexico City to face co-host Mexico in a round of 16 matchup scheduled for Sunday at the Azteca Stadium.

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