England vs DR Congo LIVE: World Cup 2026 result, latest updates and reaction after Harry Kane heroics | OneFootball

Co-hosts Mexico now await Three Lions in last 16 at their Estadio Azteca fortress

Harry Kane was England’s hero yet again as the Three Lions just about secured progress into the World Cup round of 16. England were facing total humiliation as they trailed DR Congo 1-0 with just 15 minutes remaining of Wednesday’s tense last-32 tie in Atlanta, courtesy of an early strike from Brian Cipenga. The favourites started dreadfully and looked abject in defence, before stepping things up after the first-half hydration break and finding DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in inspired form as he repeatedly thwarted Jude Bellingham in particular.

Yoane Wissa hit the post in a massive reprieve for England and Kane was then controversially denied a penalty for Mpasi’s risky challenge on the stroke of half-time. Thomas Tuchel was visibly furious as his side laboured again after the break, only for Kane to rescue them by heading in the equaliser from substitute Anthony Gordon’s cross. All the momentum was suddenly with England and the turnaround was completed four minutes from time when Gordon again found Kane, who made space inside the box and rifled his second goal into the roof of the net.

There was a last-gasp scare for England as Yoane Wissa sent a free-kick fizzing over Jordan Pickford’s crossbar, but they held on to secure a daunting last-16 showdown with co-hosts Mexico at their high-altitude Estadio Azteca fortress on Sunday night. Follow England vs DR Congo reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s England correspondent Dom Smith at Atlanta Stadium.