England narrowly avoided one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, relying on the clinical brilliance of captain Harry Kane to secure a breathless 2-1 comeback victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta.
The Leopards stunned the Three Lions early in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga capitalised on a cross to slot a low drive past Jordan Pickford.
For much of the encounter, an uninspired England side found themselves completely stifled by a resolute Congolese defense and the heroic goalkeeping of Lionel Mpasi, leaving Thomas Tuchel’s men on the precipice of a shocking tournament exit.
The match flipped on its head in the final quarter as substitute Anthony Gordon injected much-needed urgency into the English attack.
While Kane’s decisive goals actually arrived late in regulation rather than stoppage time itself, the drama was no less intense. Kane first met a perfectly weighted cross from Gordon in the 75th minute, powering home a textbook header to restore parity.
Just eleven minutes later, Bayern Munich goal poacher turned hero once again, collecting another feed from Gordon on the edge of the area and launching a spectacular rocket into the top corner to put England ahead.
Despite reclaiming the lead, England were forced to desperately survive a nerve-shredding six minutes of stoppage time as the Congolese launched a relentless final assault.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham gave away a dangerous free-kick just outside the penalty area, breathing final life into the Leopards’ campaign.
Deep into the added periods, Yoane Wissa stood over the ball and subsequently unleashed a looping effort that sailed agonizingly over the crossbar, allowing the Three Lions to draw a massive sigh of relief and officially book their place against co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16.
