Harry Kane Becomes the Hero, England Stages a Comeback to Defeat DR Congo

England National Team came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 in their Round of 32 match at Atlanta Stadium, United States. Harry Kane was the architect of The Three Lions' victory, netting both goals in the second half.

This dramatic win sets England up against tournament hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. Meanwhile, DR Congo's historic campaign comes to an end despite delivering a spirited, hard-fought performance.

England were caught off guard by an early 7th minute goal. Brian Cipenga latched onto Chancel Mbemba's long ball, broke clear down the left flank, and fired his finish past Jordan Pickford.

Trailing by one goal, Thomas Tuchel's side wrestled back control of the game. England's first opening saw Declan Rice's free kick deflect off Ezri Konsa before drifting wide. Just before the break, Marcus Rashford's header was parried away by Lionel Mpasi.

Rashford had another golden chance in the 34th minute, but his strike was blocked by Aaron Wan-Bissaka right on the goal line.

At the other end, DR Congo came inches from doubling their advantage when Yoane Wissa's header crashed against the goalpost in the 44th minute.

Mpasi delivered an exceptional first half display, denying both Jude Bellingham's header and Harry Kane's shot. DR Congo carried their 1-0 lead into the half time interval.

After the restart, Thomas Tuchel made attacking substitutions, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka in place of Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke.

The equaliser arrived in the 75th minute. Gordon floated an accurate cross which was met by a close range header from Harry Kane. The ball flew past Mpasi to level the score at 1-1.

Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, England found their match winner once again. Gordon dribbled past two opposition defenders before sliding a through ball to Kane.

The England captain struck a first time effort towards goal without hesitation. The ball nestled into the bottom corner, well out of Mpasi's reach, to seal a 2-1 victory for The Three Lions.

Speaking post-match, Kane emphasised that every player in the England squad is capable of being the deciding factor in high stakes matches.

"Anyone can have their hero moment, and today that moment was mine. All week we had also been reminding each other to just play our game," Kane stated, as quoted on FIFA's official website on Thursday.

Meanwhile, DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre expressed pride in his squad's fight despite their elimination.

"Right at the closing stages we conceded two dangerous openings, then one of the best footballers on the planet put two away against us. It is incredibly heartbreaking," Desabre said.

Starting Lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.

DR Congo (4-3-3): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Ngalayel Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki; Brian Cipenga, Yoane Wissa.