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England survived a huge challenge against DR Congo to win 2-1 and set up a last 16 tie with rivals Mexico.
Harry Kane he saved England From the danger of the World Cup of the World Cup with two late goals to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and secure a place in the last 16.
Seeking to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament, Thomas Tuchel’s men escaped embarrassment and one of England’s worst World Cup performances on Wednesday thanks to their captaincy after Brian Cipenga’s early goal gave DR Congo an early lead.
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But the Three Lions will need to do well in the tough task of meeting Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last 16 on Sunday.
Formerly England’s top scorer at the tournament, Kane now has 13 World Cup goals and is five more than the competition to stay in the race for the Golden Boot.
Defeat ended DR Congo’s legendary return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
The Leopards had never won a point or scored a goal at the World Cup until a few weeks ago, but they had one of their favorite games about to end.
Tuchel made two changes in Panama’s win as Declan Rice returned to centre-back, Djed Spence came in at right-back and Reece James and Jarell Quansah were both out through injury.
The German coach’s decision not to select the right-back specialist in the 26-man squad will be scrutinized after DR Congo top the side.
Spence was caught by Chancel Mbemba’s ball as the ball fell to Cipenga. The Almeria winger’s shot was low and hard, but Jordan Pickford should have saved it at his near post.
The crowd of around 70,000 who sat in England’s red and white fell silent, while Tuchel’s players went wild.
Jude Bellingham was shown a yellow card for traveling and had a heated argument with his manager during the half-time break.
The suspension gave Tuchel a chance to restore order.
Bellingham’s powerful shot from Rice’s cross eventually forced DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi into action.
Moments later, Marcus Rashford’s powerful effort was blocked on the line by London-born Aaron Wan-Bissaka after Noni Madueke’s jinking run had opened up the DR Congo defence.
However it could have been worse for England at the break.
Yoane Wissa’s three goals in the group stage saw his country reach the World Cup stage for the first time, and the Newcastle striker had a chance to double DR Congo’s lead but hit the outside of the post from point-blank range.
Kane, on the other hand, got angry when he went down when he wanted to circle Mpasi but the referee refused to point to the spot.
Le Harve Stopper Mpasi’s inspired evening continued as he flew to his right to take another shot from Bellingham and then denied Kane in the corner with the final touch of the first half.
After a bright start to the second period, England began to lose focus until Tuchel brought out his dirty weapons from the bench.
Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze were sent off by Tuchel in search of an equaliser.
And it was new Barcelona signing Gordon who provided the cross as Kane found a way past Mpasi with a low header 15 minutes from time.
Gordon also got the assist for the winner in the 86th minute, but Kane made the work harder as he fired into the roof of the net for his 84th international goal.
Tuchel told reporters that his team “still believed” that they would win.
“We have to have that attitude. If it’s difficult, don’t give up, don’t lose faith,” he said.
“It was amazing how (Mpasi) saved, but well done to the attitude the (England) players showed.”
Kane said DR Congo is a strong team and singled out the “amazing” Mpasi to praise.
“You have to be patient in this game. The last few games were very similar. In knock-down football, the pressure and the intensity is high,” he said.
“It was probably our best game of the tournament so far. This and the next one will be very difficult. (Then we are) away in Mexico against Mexico. We are in the part of the tournament where we have to digest the results.”
