Kane's Late Double Fires England Past DR Congo Into Last 16

Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to save England from a stunning World Cup exit, as Thomas Tuchel's side came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and set up a last-16 tie with co-hosts Mexico.

Brian Cipenga had put DR Congo ahead after just seven minutes, and England's stumbling performance for much of the night threatened one of the most embarrassing results in the nation's World Cup history. It was the first time England had won a World Cup match after conceding first since the 1966 final.

Substitute Anthony Gordon, introduced on the hour alongside Bukayo Saka, provided the spark England needed. He crossed from the left for Kane to head home the equaliser on 75 minutes, then set up the winner four minutes from time as Kane collected the ball on the edge of the box, turned, strode forward and flashed a powerful right-footed finish past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to seal the comeback.

It was Kane's fifth goal of the tournament and another moment that underlined his status as England's most important player, even if the team's overall display left serious questions about whether they can go deep into this competition.

DR Congo made England work hard throughout. Mpasi made five saves, two of them outstanding, and Yoane Wissa struck the post on the stroke of halftime with the goal at his mercy in what proved a crucial miss. DR Congo also defended with tremendous organisation, making 36 clearances and winning the majority of their ground duels, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka outstanding at the back with seven clearances and five duels won.

England's superiority was clear in the underlying numbers despite the rocky performance. They finished with 60% possession, 16 shots to DR Congo's 7 and an expected goals advantage of 2.04 to 0.76. They also created seven big chances but were wasteful, missing six before Kane's late precision made the difference.

Gordon's impact from the bench was decisive. The Newcastle winger registered two assists in just 36 minutes, and his direct running and delivery quality changed the game after coming on.

England now travel to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16, a daunting task after a display that will give Tuchel plenty to think about.