Harry Kane’s late brace rescued England from a shock World Cup exit, as Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium and reach the Round of 16.

England got off to the worst possible start in the seventh minute when Chancel Mbemba’s searching ball found Brian Cipenga, who rifled a shot past Jordan Pickford before celebrating with a somersault.

DR Congo, appearing in a World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, held firm through the first half and troubled England’s stars, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka combining for goal-line heroics to deny Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham.

England grew into the game after the interval but were made to wait for their breakthrough. Kane finally levelled with a header in the 75th minute before adding a clinical finish from the edge of the box in the 86th minute to complete his comeback brace, with substitute Anthony Gordon the architect behind both goals. The second strike was created after Bellingham forced another save from Mpasi, with the ball recycled to Gordon, who teed up Kane for an unstoppable finish into the top corner.

With the brace, Kane became the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker’s famous display against Cameroon in 1990.

DR Congo can hold their heads high after pushing England to the very end on their knockout stage debut, but it is the Three Lions who march on. England will next face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on July 5 in the Round of 16.

Photo Credit: Getty Images