Kane scores a brace and takes England to the round of 16 of the World Cup

Al Mercedes Benz Stadium of Atlanta theEngland beat her Democratic Republic of the Congo and fly to round of 16 of the World Cup. In the first half he thought about unlocking the match for the Africans Cipenga at 7′. Then, in the second half, a brace from Harry Kane turns the race upside down. In the round of 16 England will face the Mexico.

The captain of the “three lions” takes the team by the hand, scores a brace at the end (the fifth goal in this world championship event) and writes other pages of history, leading the English to the challenge of Mexico City against the home national team.

Congo’s surprise lead

The Africans started better and took the surprise lead in the 7th minute. Mbemba changes play from the right, Sadiki cuts to the center and leaves space for Cipenga, who is alone on the left and takes advantage by beating Pickford on his post with his right.

The chances in the first half

At the half hour mark, the men of Tuchel they become dangerous when Spence crosses from the right and finds Bellingham ready to enter, but his gore is saved by diving Pain. Five minutes later, Madueke goes down the right and puts it in the middle, the ball goes to Rashford who shoots with confidence but Wan-Bissaka saves the result by sweeping across the goal line.

In the moment of greatest pressure from the British, Wissa ate the second in the 42nd minute when, from a few steps away, he hit the post, nullifying an assist from the right by Mbuku. On the reversal in front, Kane falls in the area touched by the outgoing goalkeeper but the referee does not award the penalty amid general protests.

In full recovery, the challenge between Bellingham and Mpasi is repeated when the champion of Real Madrid he fits in with the right header on a cross from Madueke and hits a sure shot, but Mpasi has a cat-like reflex and keeps the goal clean. Shortly after, Kane volleys with his right foot but Mpasi is still decisive and blocks. We go to half-time at 1-0.

England unstoppable in the second half

The first emotion of the second half materializes in the 6th minute, when Rashford targets Tuanzebe and takes the ball to the left foot, but his shot ends up on the outside of the net. Two minutes later, Mpasi saves a tricky cross-shot from Bellingham from the left. England’s forcing bears fruit on the half hour mark. Rice crossed from the right and caught the newly introduced Gordon at the far post, who put the ball in the center of the area, catching Kane, who headed past Mpasi to make it 1-1.

L’ Harry ️#Kane #InghilterraRDCongo #FIFAWorldCup #DAZN pic.twitter.com/X3wLFEKJPV

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) July 1, 2026

The English superiority is now clear and the comeback is completed in the 41st minute. Kane receives his back to goal at the limit, turns on the right and launches an uncatchable shot under the crossbar which leaves the innocent Mpasi stunned. It’s 2-1 with which the match ends. England advance to the round of 16, where they will face Mexico.

The words of Harry Kane

“It was incredible, a crazy match. After the hydration break we created so many chances.” These were the words of Harry Kane at the end of England’s victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We need to be patient in these matches, as happened in the last two. The next match will also be difficult against Mexico, away from home – adds the English captain -. At the end of the match I told my teammates to enjoy it, as our fans are doing”.