Seven minutes. That’s all it took for DR Congo to put England in serious trouble at the World Cup. The Three Lions looked headed for disaster in Atlanta. Then Harry Kane stood up. Twice.
A nightmare start in Atlanta
England were caught cold, falling behind inside the seventh minute as DR Congo struck early and put the Three Lions on the back foot from the opening whistle.
For long stretches, England were abject. Little rhythm, few clear chances, a team that looked like it was carrying the weight of expectation rather than living up to it.
It’s a reminder that in a 48-team World Cup, there’s no margin for a bad night. England found that out the hard way against opponents who refused to just make up the numbers.
Kane the rescuer, Gordon the architect
England needed a moment of individual quality, and captain Harry Kane delivered it twice. His second-half brace, both goals teed up by substitute Anthony Gordon, turned the game on its head.
Two chances, two clinical finishes, ice-cold composure from a player who has decided big matches before. Kane once again proves why he remains England’s go-to man even on a difficult night.
Gordon’s introduction changed the entire complexion of England’s attack. It’s the kind of impact substitute cameo that can define a tournament run.
Mexico await in the last 16
The 2-1 win books England’s place in the round of 16, where they’ll face co-hosts Mexico on Sunday in what promises to be a raucous atmosphere.
Facing a host nation roaring on its own supporters is a completely different challenge, and England will need to find a much higher level than they showed against DR Congo if they want to go deep.
This kind of scare is a warning for every side still in the competition: at this stage of the World Cup, nobody is safe from a bad day, and England’s own path just got a lot harder to predict.
FAQ
What was the final score between England and DR Congo?
England won 2-1, coming from behind thanks to a second-half brace from captain Harry Kane.
Who scored England’s goals?
Harry Kane scored both of England’s goals, with substitute Anthony Gordon providing the assist for each one.
Who does England play next at the World Cup?
England will face co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16 on Sunday.
Where was the England vs DR Congo match played?
The match was played in Atlanta as part of the World Cup 2026 group stage.
Why was England’s performance criticized despite the win?
England were poor for large parts of the match and were only saved by Harry Kane’s clinical finishing in the second half, leading pundits to call the display woeful.
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