Harry Kane’s Late Heroics Lift England to World Cup Round of 16 Victory

• James Olley

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  James Olley

  Senior Writer, ESPN FC and

• Tom Hamilton

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  Tom Hamilton

  Senior Writer

  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours
  • Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018

Jul 1, 2026, 03:00 PM ET

In Atlanta, Harry Kane found the net twice within the last 15 minutes, orchestrating a dramatic second‑half comeback that secured England’s place in the World Cup round of 16.

Brian Cipenga opened the scoring in the seventh minute, delivering a surprise early lead for Congo DR. For much of the match, England faced a stubborn opponent while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi performed heroically.

Just before halftime, England appealed for a penalty after Mpasi collided with Kane during a breakaway, but referee Adham Makhadmeh dismissed the appeals of Thomas Tuchel and his squad.

Congo DR continued to staunchly defend, with Mpasi making another superb save to deny Jude Bellingham. Kane then rose to meet substitute Anthony Gordon’s 75th‑minute cross with a headed goal, and later crafted a brilliant opening to fire a winning strike in the 86th minute, eliciting jubilant reactions from the England bench.

England will next meet Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday evening — James Olley

Arise, Sir Harry

England’s prospects without Harry Kane would be bleak; indeed, the team might have been sent back to London. Kane now boasts 13 World Cup goals, five of which have come in this tournament, placing him behind only Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, who have six each. Moreover, he sits one goal ahead of Pelé in World Cup career totals.

The two goals scored in Atlanta illustrate Kane’s all‑round threat. His first showcased astute movement and aerial prowess, while his second highlighted his ability to create space and unleash a powerful strike from outside the box.

While Kane appeared diminished at Euro 2024, the 32‑year‑old has now translated his Bayern Munich form to the international stage. Despite England’s shortcomings — which the outcome cannot conceal — the presence of Kane alongside Jude Bellingham ensures England remains a formidable contender. — Olley

Hydration breaks help England as Tuchel makes impact

Hydration breaks are typically booed during most matches, especially those involving England. The air‑conditioned environment of Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium lessens welfare concerns, yet the pauses afforded Tuchel valuable opportunities to regroup the squad on two occasions.

Early in the match, England struggled to find cohesion after Cipenga’s goal rattled them. Defensively they were unsettled and on three occasions passed the ball out of play. However, after the first hydration break, England’s performance sharpened; they registered their first shot after 30 minutes — the longest interval to a shot in a World Cup match since 1996 — and generated an expected‑goals total of 1.3 from five clear chances before halftime.

In the second half, England’s composure wavered as anxiety about a potential humiliation mounted. Substitute Bukayo Saka’s mis‑control on his left foot resulted in a turnover, but the team regained poise, continued to press, and ultimately Kane sealed the victory. — Olley

England’s doubts in defense

England’s defensive frailties were stark when Congo DR exploited a simple long ball over the top. Right‑back Djed Spence found himself isolated against Cipenga, who remained unmarked at the back post. Ezri Konsa was out of position and unable to influence the play, allowing Cipenga to beat Jordan Pickford at his near post. The lapse proved costly for England.

Spence faced difficulties throughout the Congolese attack, despite appearing effective in forward runs. England’s defensive vulnerability persisted, and Yoane Wissa squandered a clear chance to double the lead before halftime, striking the post from a few yards out while unmarked.

A relatively stable defensive configuration emerged when Declan Rice filled in at right‑back after Eberechi Eze replaced Spence. With both Reece James and Jarell Quansah battling fitness issues ahead of the upcoming round‑of‑16 clash against Mexico, manager Thomas Tuchel faces a significant task in shoring up the back line. — Tom Hamilton

Wingers struggle to take flight

Much like the full‑backs, England’s wingers encountered difficulties. Both Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford covered extensive ground on the flanks but struggled to produce decisive contributions. Rashford was relatively more effective, forcing two early attempts on goal in the second half — one striking the side net and another saved by Mpa — while his frustration grew as the match progressed. Madueke found the organized Congolese defense particularly challenging.

Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon in the 60th minute, injecting fresh energy into the attack. Although Saka’s participation is being managed due to an Achilles issue and Gordon’s recent performance against Ghana was subpar, his precise cross set up Kane’s opening goal, rewarding England’s patience. Nevertheless, none of England’s four wingers are currently operating at peak effectiveness. — Hamilton

England avoid humiliating exit, but Mexico lie in wait

The specter of past disappointments — such as Iceland and Euro 2016 — loomed over England’s performance as the match progressed. That earlier defeat precipitated managerial change and a comprehensive overhaul by the Football Association. Echoes of that frustration resurfaced, as England labored to create chances before Kane’s decisive contributions rescued their pride.

Had England succumbed, the defeat would have ranked among the most shocking World Cup upsets. Fortunately, Tuchel’s tactical adjustments proved effective, Kane emerged as the nation’s hero once more, and England advanced safely.

England must markedly improve their performance to have any chance of beating Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, a venue where Mexico rarely loses and where they recently dismantled Ecuador with vigor. If England begins slowly again, the match could slip away before the first hydration break. Tuchel’s side still has work to refine its approach. — Hamilton

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