Harry Kane saved England from an embarrassing early exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of DR Congo.
The underdogs were closing in on one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after Brian Cipenga’s excellent early goal.
But Kane rescued his team, first by heading in a late equaliser and then by smashing home from a tight angle to finally fire England in front.
England will next play co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca for a place in the quarter-finals.
It was a terrible start from England, which left them totally shell-shocked, and at that point there was a danger that they could spiral into despair.
But they stabilised, went up a couple of gears, regressed a little after half-time but stabilised again, went up another gear with the substitutions and eventually — thanks largely to Harry Kane — found a way to win.
It’s the kind of performance that reinforces certain doubts about the quality of the squad, but also brings reassurance in terms of the spirit and mentality.
Kane captained England for the 90th time today, equalling the long-standing record jointly held by Billy Wright and Bobby Moore.
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Wright’s first captaincy was in 1948 and his last was in 1959, while Moore’s first came in 1963 and his last in 1973.
Thomas Tuchel may not have covered himself in glory at this World Cup so far, but he was smart enough to withdraw Marcus Rashford and introduce Anthony Gordon.
Gordon’s cross for Kane’s first goal was a rare moment of quality in the final third, something England had been distinctly lacking until that point. The goalkeeper might have done better after a string of excellent saves, but there was no doubting the quality of the assist.
Tuchel was adamant the whole squad would have to play their part if England were to achieve their goals here, and Gordon did not disappoint, providing assists for both goals.
He told the BBC: “I told the boys to enjoy it. Sometimes as an England player, when you go through tough games like this, and games that you’re expected to win, you don’t really celebrate how you should, you know.
“We’re the same as any other nation, we’re through. So enjoy it, you know. We’re in a World Cup, we’re fighting for every moment, every little margin.
“So I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy it with the fans like we did.”
Kane knew he was going to have play a key role at this World Cup for England to succeed and that is exactly what he’s doing.
DR Congo defended superbly, but, from the midway point of the first half, England looked like they would eventually wear them down.
England showed little urgency or intensity and seemed utterly devoid of ideas going forward for long periods. They opened this tournament with a thoroughly entertaining win over Croatia, but have played poorly for large parts of every game since.
Thomas Tuchel waltzed through qualification like many an England manager before him, but he could hardly have performed much worse since arriving at the tournament.
His squad selection may have raised eyebrows, but results silence critics — and that is something Tuchel has just about produced thanks to one of England’s truly world-class players: Harry
An upset looked very much on the cards until Harry Kane did what he does best, finding the net twice late on to spare his manager’s blushes.
England will have to improve hugely if they are serious about going deep into the tournament. Their opponents, meanwhile, can walk away with their heads held high after almost pulling off one of the great World Cup upsets.
New York Times
