Harry Kane produced a captain’s performance with two late goals to rescue England from a shock FIFA World Cup exit, inspiring a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo and sending the Three Lions into a last-16 showdown with co-hosts Mexico.
England appeared to be heading for one of the darkest defeats in their World Cup history after falling behind to a determined DR Congo side that defended resolutely and threatened to eliminate one of the tournament favourites.
However, Kane once again demonstrated why he remains one of world football’s most reliable match-winners.
The England captain restored parity in the 75th minute, powering home a header beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, whose outstanding performance had frustrated England for much of the contest.
With extra time looming, Kane delivered the decisive moment four minutes from full-time. Collecting a pass from substitute Anthony Gordon, the Bayern Munich striker shifted the ball away from his marker before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal England’s comeback.
The victory preserved England’s World Cup campaign and spared head coach Thomas Tuchel from what would have been a humiliating early exit.
Tuchel praised his captain’s decisive contribution after the match.
“Harry is so, so good. He’s our captain. He’s our leader,” Tuchel said. “He decides football matches with unbelievable finishes and did it here twice. The second one was just a brilliant goal.”
The brace took Kane’s tally to five goals at the tournament, placing him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot alongside Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi.
The goals also added to Kane’s growing list of personal milestones. He moved level with Brazilian legend Pelé on 13 World Cup goals, climbed to 84 international goals for England—matching Hungary great Ferenc Puskás—and became the first England player since Gary Lineker in 1990 to score twice in a World Cup knockout match.
Kane has now scored an astonishing 72 goals for club and country this season, including 61 for Bayern Munich and 11 for England.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham described Kane as both an inspiration and a role model, while substitute Anthony Gordon credited the skipper’s consistency and professionalism for his remarkable success.
“It’s no accident,” Gordon said. “How hard he works. He does it with passion. He does it with seriousness. He’s definitely an inspiration to all of us.”
Reflecting on his match-winning display, Kane said representing England at the World Cup remains the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
“I remember being a kid watching England at the World Cup and dreaming of being here one day,” Kane said. “Whenever I’m on that pitch, I try to be the best version of myself and lead by example.”
England’s reward is a daunting Round of 16 encounter against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where the hosts boast an impressive record and are expected to enjoy overwhelming home support.
After escaping elimination in Atlanta, England will now look to Kane once again as they seek to keep their World Cup dream alive against one of the tournament’s toughest opponents.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
