England survived a major scare at the FIFA World Cup, coming from behind to beat Congo 2-1 courtesy of a stunning late double from captain Harry Kane that sent them into the round of 16. For long periods of the match England looked second best and the threat of an early tournament exit loomed large, but Kane produced two moments of magic in the second half to seal a memorable win.
Congo strike inside seven minutes
At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it was Congo who made the brighter start. In just the seventh minute, Bryan Sipenga superbly converted a cross that came in from the left side of the box, putting Congo 1-0 up. The rest of the first half turned into a struggle for England as they searched for an equaliser, but Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi stood firm, repelling everything England threw at him.
Mpasi denies Bellingham and Kane
Lionel Mpasi kept out two close-range headers from Jude Bellingham to preserve Congo's lead, and he also produced a strong save to deny a powerful effort from Harry Kane. At one point Kane collided with Mpasi inside the box, prompting England to make a loud penalty appeal, but the referee waved it away. Congo also had a chance to double their advantage, but Yoane Wissa's effort came back off the post.
Kane levels it in the 75th minute
England came out with far greater intensity after the break, and the pressure finally told in the 75th minute when Harry Kane pulled his side level. Substitute Anthony Gordon delivered a superb cross, which Kane met with a towering header. Mpasi got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out, and it crossed the line to make it 1-1.
A stunning strike in the 86th minute settles it
With the match heading into its closing stages and the possibility of extra time growing, Harry Kane struck again in the 86th minute. He unleashed a fierce shot from well outside the box that flew straight into the top corner of the net. The goal put England 2-1 ahead, a lead they held on to until the final whistle.
Mexico await in the round of 16
The win confirmed England's place in the round of 16, where they will now face Mexico in Mexico City. It was also a landmark night for Harry Kane on a personal level. The captain's brace took his tally for this World Cup to five goals, while his overall World Cup goal count for England now stands at 13.
