Kane’s double saves England from World Cup shock

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

England survived a spirited challenge from the Democratic Republic of Congo to book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice in a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory on Wednesday.

The Three Lions were stunned early when Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo ahead in the seventh minute, silencing England supporters and putting the African side on course for a major World Cup upset.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, England struggled to break down a disciplined Congolese defence before the break. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford both came close, while Kane was denied by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau late in the first half.

England manager Thomas Tuchel responded with attacking substitutions after the interval, introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze as his side intensified the search for an equaliser.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when Kane rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross, restoring parity and shifting the momentum firmly in England’s favour.

With extra time looming, the England skipper struck again four minutes from time, calmly finishing into the top corner after latching onto a well-worked attacking move to complete the turnaround and seal victory.

DR Congo refused to surrender and nearly forced a dramatic equaliser in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a superb reflex save to deny Meschack Elia before Yoane Wissa narrowly missed with a stoppage-time free-kick.

The victory sends England into the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico as they continue their quest for a first World Cup title since 1966.

For DR Congo, the defeat brought an end to an impressive tournament run, with the African side earning plaudits for pushing one of the competition’s favourites to the limit before eventually falling to Kane’s clinical finishing.