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England flirted with disaster in Atlanta as a nervy start saw them fall behind to DR Congo’s shock opener. Brian Cipenga stunned the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium crowd inside seven minutes when he beat Jordan Pickford at his near post, and the Three Lions spent the remainder of the first half battering at a blue wall. Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane were all denied by the inspired Lionel Mpasi, while Yoane Wissa struck the woodwork. It looked like being one of those nights until Thomas Tuchel’s substitutes swung the tide and Kane delivered his customary heroics.

First‑half analysis

England’s backline were caught flat‑footed for Cipenga’s opener, and the African side grew in confidence thereafter. Mpasi produced a string of saves, palming away Bellingham’s header and blocking Rashford’s effort on the line. Kane thought he had earned a penalty but was booked for simulation, while Wissa’s shot off the post was a let‑off. England dominated possession yet trailed 0‑1 at the break.

Second‑half analysis

Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon and altered his shape. England increased the tempo but Mpasi remained stubborn, foiling Bellingham again. The breakthrough finally arrived on 75 minutes when Gordon’s pinpoint cross found Kane to head in. With DR Congo tiring, England sensed blood and Kane duly delivered; collecting the ball in the box and rifling an unstoppable shot into the net with four minutes to play. England saw out the closing stages to advance.

Key turning point

Anthony Gordon’s introduction turned the match. The winger provided the assist for Kane’s equaliser and stretched DR Congo’s defence, creating space for England’s forwards. Without his impact, Mpasi might have preserved the lead.

Key Events

• 7’: GOAL! Brian Cipenga beats Jordan Pickford at his near post for DR Congo
• 30’: SAVE! Jude Bellingham’s header is palmed away by Lionel Mpasi
• 35’: OFF THE LINE! Marcus Rashford has a shot cleared by Aaron Wan-Bissaka
• 42’: OFF THE POST! Yoane Wissa hits the post from close range
• 43’: NO PENALTY! Harry Kane penalised for diving after contact with Mpasi
• 46+2’: SAVE! Mpasi denies Bellingham’s header from Noni Madueke’s cross
• 45+6’: SAVE! Mpasi keeps out Harry Kane’s shot at his near post
• 53’: SAVE! Mpasi rescues DR Congo again as Bellingham’s cross is saved
• 75’: GOAL! Kane heads in England’s equaliser from Anthony Gordon’s cross
• 86’: GOAL! Kane swivels and rifles the winner into the net

England analysis

England started sluggishly but grew into the game. The decision to introduce Gordon paid dividends and their attacking depth ultimately overwhelmed DR Congo. Defensive lapses remain a concern, but Harry Kane’s efficiency in front of goal was decisive.

DR Congo analysis

DR Congo executed their game plan superbly for 75 minutes. Cipenga’s goal sparked belief and Lionel Mpasi produced a heroic performance between the posts. Fatigue and a lack of attacking threat after the break ultimately cost them.

Final Score

England 2-1 DR Congo – Half‑time: 0-1.

What This Result Means

The comeback ensures England’s passage to the last 16, where they will face co‑hosts Mexico. DR Congo’s spirited run ends here but they leave the tournament with heads held high.

Man of the Match

Harry Kane

Hot Stat

Harry Kane is the first England player to score a brace in a World Cup knockout game since Gary Lineker against Cameroon in 1990, taking his tally to 10 goals in 11 major tournament knockout appearances.