Kane's Record Breaking Win
Harry Kane Sets World Cup Scoring Record, Leads England to Last 16 Against Mexico
Key Points
Congo opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with Brian Cipenga giving the Leopards the lead and jolting England early in the game.
The match was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta before a crowd of nearly 70,000, underscoring the high-stakes atmosphere around this World Cup fixture.
Thomas Tuchel made two changes from the Panama victory: Declan Rice returned to midfield, while Djed Spence started at right-back, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah unavailable due to injury.
Harry Kane’s tally moved to 13 World Cup goals, and, per ESPN, he broke Pelé’s World Cup record by surpassing the previous mark with his two goals against Congo.
England’s win kept alive a bid to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament, with the next obstacle being co-host Mexico in the World Cup last 16.
Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to rescue England from a shocking early deficit, sealing a 2-1 win over DR Congo and a place in the World Cup last 16, according to NBC Chicago. The victory, played before nearly 70,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, puts England one step closer to ending a 60-year wait for a major tournament title.
Kane's two goals brought his World Cup tally to 13 — breaking Pelé's record of 12 — and made him England's all-time top World Cup scorer, ESPN reported. England will now face co-host Mexico on July 5 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Congo Stuns England Early, Kane Saves the Day
Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a shock lead in the 7th minute. He latched onto a cross from Chancel Mbemba and fired low into the near post, leaving England rattled. England right-back Djed Spence was caught badly out of position on the play, according to Al Jazeera. England looked "sluggish and disjointed" for the rest of the first half, per Football365.
Kane broke through in the 75th minute with a towering header from a lofted cross by substitute Anthony Gordon. Then, in the 86th minute, he struck again — a fierce shot into the top right corner, also assisted by Gordon. It was Kane's second World Cup brace and sealed the comeback, The Guardian reported.
Kane Surpasses Pelé to Rewrite the Record Books
Kane now has 13 World Cup goals, drawing level with Just Fontaine and moving past Pelé's 12. He has scored 5 of England's 8 goals at this tournament — 62.5% of the team's total, according to World Soccer Talk. He has also made 15 World Cup starts, more than any other England outfield player in history.
Kane has 84 goals in 117 international appearances. Before this match, Athlon Sports noted that England had not won a knockout game after conceding first in 60 years. Kane ended both streaks with one performance.
Tuchel's Gamble Pays Off — But Defensive Cracks Remain
Manager Thomas Tuchel made two changes from the Panama win. Declan Rice returned to midfield. Djed Spence started at right-back in place of the injured Reece James and Jarell Quansah. Before kickoff, Tuchel told reporters: "We must not freak out; we don't start to doubt. We keep believing and do our things," per The Guardian.
The turning point was Tuchel's decision to bring on Anthony Gordon. Gordon's directness broke down Congo's deep defensive block, CBS Sports reported. But analysts warned that Mexico will punish the same defensive gaps that allowed Congo to score so early.
England Head to Azteca With History — and Altitude — Against Them
England's round of 16 match against Mexico is set for July 5 at the Estadio Azteca. Mexico has never lost a tournament match at that stadium, according to Football365. The high altitude in Mexico City will add another layer of difficulty for Tuchel's squad.
The winner of that match is projected to face either Brazil or Norway in the quarterfinals on July 11 in Miami, per FOX Sports. England entered this game with an 82% chance of advancing, according to Opta. They barely made it through. The real test is still ahead.
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