Two goals in the dying minutes. That’s all that stood between England and one of the most humiliating exits in World Cup history. Harry Kane dragged the Three Lions past DR Congo at World Cup 2026, and Anthony Gordon didn’t hold back afterwards — the winger claims his captain is currently operating at Lionel Messi’s level. Bold? Absolutely. Wrong? Don’t be so sure.
Kane’s Late Brace Rescues England From the Brink
Harry Kane scored a dramatic late brace to rescue England from a shock World Cup 2026 exit against DR Congo. The Congolese threatened a monumental upset for long spells, before the England captain produced two clutch finishes when his country needed them most.
Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived at this tournament as one of the favourites, yet showed cracks nobody saw coming. Without their No.9’s ice-cold finishing, England would be booking flights home. It was the kind of performance that defines tournaments — and legacies.
‘Phenomenal’: Why Gordon Puts Kane in Messi’s Bracket
Anthony Gordon claimed Harry Kane is currently operating at a level comparable to Lionel Messi, hailing his England team-mate as ‘phenomenal’. The winger pointed to Kane’s relentless consistency and elite mindset on the biggest international stage as the basis for the comparison.
Comparing anyone to Messi invites ridicule. But the numbers back Gordon up more than you’d think. Kane is England’s all-time record goalscorer, won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup, and has just delivered twice with a nation holding its breath. On trophies, there’s no contest. On current form? Gordon has a case.
The Trophy That Still Haunts Kane
At 32, Harry Kane is likely playing in his final World Cup at his physical peak — and he is still chasing his first major trophy with England. The Bayern Munich striker has carried the ‘world-class player without silverware’ tag for years, and World Cup 2026 is his ultimate chance to bury it.
The pain runs deep: the missed penalty against France in Qatar, the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain in Berlin. Every near-miss has led to this tournament. His brace against DR Congo suggests he’s ready to carry England on his back one last time.
Can Tuchel’s England Actually Win It?
England remain genuine contenders to win World Cup 2026, but the DR Congo scare exposed problems Thomas Tuchel must fix fast. The defence looked rattled against pace, and the midfield struggled to control the tempo for long periods.
The flip side? Champions find ways to win ugly, and England just did exactly that. With Kane in this kind of form, Jude Bellingham pulling the strings and Gordon flying down the wing, the ceiling is as high as anyone’s. France, Spain and Brazil have been warned.
FAQ
Why did Anthony Gordon compare Harry Kane to Lionel Messi?
Gordon claimed Kane is currently operating at a level comparable to Messi, citing the striker’s consistency and elite mindset. The comments came after Kane’s late brace rescued England from a shock World Cup 2026 exit against DR Congo.
What happened in England vs DR Congo at World Cup 2026?
DR Congo threatened a monumental upset before Harry Kane scored a dramatic late brace to rescue England from a shock World Cup 2026 exit.
Has Harry Kane ever won a major trophy with England?
No. Kane is still chasing his first major international trophy. His closest calls were the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, both lost by England. He did win the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup with 6 goals.
Who is England’s all-time top goalscorer?
Harry Kane is England’s all-time record goalscorer, having overtaken Wayne Rooney’s tally of 53 goals. He captains England at World Cup 2026 under head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Will Harry Kane play in England’s next World Cup 2026 match?
Yes, barring injury Kane is expected to lead the line in England’s next World Cup 2026 fixture. After his match-saving brace against DR Congo, he remains the first name on Thomas Tuchel’s team sheet.
🏆 AI Analysis – World Cup 2026
Mysports AI uses advanced data models to deliver the best odds, dark horse analysis and betting tips.
Get predictions