England survived a major scare before edging DR Congo 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 32 clash, where Harry Kane's late double turned the tide after a spirited underdog display.
DR Congo struck early in the 7th minute when Brian Cipenga produced a composed finish from the edge of the box following a sharp cross, stunning England and forcing them into an early chase under knockout pressure.
England dominated possession but struggled to break through in the first half.
A potential penalty was overturned by VAR in the 44th minute, while Kane wasted a huge chance in stoppage time of the 45th minute as goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau produced a vital save to keep DR Congo ahead at the break.
The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Kane rose above the defence to head home a superb cross, restoring parity at 1–1 and shifting momentum firmly towards England.
The turning point arrived earlier in the 65th minute when DR Congo were reduced to 10 men after Meschack Elia was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, leaving them under sustained pressure for the remainder of the match.
Despite being a man down, DR Congo continued to threaten on the break, with Meschack Elia's replacement and Edo Kayembe's set-pieces testing England late on.
Yoane Wissa nearly forced extra time in the 90+7th minute, firing a free-kick narrowly over the bar.
England's persistence ultimately paid off in the 86th minute when Kane struck again, calmly finishing into the top corner after a well-timed pass to complete his brace and seal victory.
Late changes, including John Stones coming on in the 90+1st minute, helped England manage the closing stages as they closed out a hard-fought win.
At full time, England advanced 2–1, but only after weathering a fierce challenge that briefly threatened to derail their knockout campaign before Kane's decisive "storm" settled the contest.
Football / Fifa 2026 / fifa / DR / England
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