Harry Kane’s double lifted England past DR Congo in a thrilling World Cup 2026 comeback in Atlanta to ensure the Three Lions advanced to the last 16.
England rallied after going behind within seven minutes after Brian Cipenga’s driven finish past Jordan Pickford.
And Thomas Tuchel’s side were left frustrated after two Jude Bellingham headers were rebounded by the brilliant Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, and the DR Congo goalkeeper also blocked Kane’s powerful drive before half-time.
But Anthony Gordon, on for Marcus Rashford after an hour, lifted a ball into the six-yard box and Kane’s header finally brought parity moments after the second hydration break. And that same combination led to a more spectacular Kane finish, rifled into the top right corner with four minutes remaining.
One final scare saw Yoane Wissa stand over a free-kick deep into stoppage time, but the Newcastle forward’s effort sailed over the bar to send England into the last 16. Here are the England player ratings against DR Congo in Atlanta:
England player ratings vs DR Congo
Jordan Pickford 6
Should do better for the Brian Cipenga strike, as crisp as it was, as he’ll want to keep that out at the near post. Solid enough for the remainder of the game.
Djed Spence 5
Sucked in by Chancel Mbemba’s floated ball and failed to make contact, even if he had to cover to make up for his fellow defenders shuffling over too much, but then he struggled with Cipenga one-on-one in a tough afternoon’s work.
Ezri Konsa 5
Poor for the Wissa strike against the post as the Newcastle forward wriggled free and failed to bring organisation and a platform during a frantic first half.
Marc Guehi 5
Lacked organisation, along with Konsa at the back, and the City star was dragged across for the opener. He did start to hold his position better in the second half and provided a presence in the air.
Nico O’Reilly 6
Like his defensive colleagues, a bit disorganised, but he recovered well in second half with DR Congo targeting the space in behind him.
Declan Rice 6
Poor delivery for set-pieces at times, but he reverted to right-back and impressed in the second half with England chasing. It might be something Tuchel considers again against Mexico.
Elliot Anderson 6
Looked a little bit overwhelmed early on, as did most of his teammates, but he did win the ball back well at times, even if he struggled to use it as well as he would have liked. Bravely deflected Nathanael Mbuku’s goalbound shot.
Noni Madueke 5
Caught watching in the build-up to the opener. Brilliant ball for Bellingham on the stroke of half-time to almost create the equaliser, but often lacked quality and composure on the ball.
Jude Bellingham 8
Passionate and irritated by his team’s start, he covered plenty of ground and almost equalised twice with powerful headers. Once again, he drove England on in the second half, with his control and power leading to a good Mpasi-Nzau save before Kane picked up the pieces, via Anthony Gordon, to give England the lead.
Marcus Rashford 6
Plenty of drive down the left, spins Mbemba in the second half, but should do better in front of goal. Taken off after an hour, but did at least bring a vertical option.
Harry Kane 9
A nice touch and spin to shoot, unfortunate to see it blocked. Unlucky to not earn a penalty after contact from Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and a superb volley from a tight angle saved well moments before half-time, then dragged down for a legitimate penalty appeal. Held his nerve with a well-placed header with 15 minutes remaining, drawing level with Pele on 12 World Cup goals, a 13th soon followed with a stunning finish, arrowed into the top right corner.
Substitutes
Anthony Gordon (on for Marcus Rashford 60’) 7
Delightful ball into the six-yard box for Kane’s equaliser and then provided a calm touch and pass for his teammate to make it 2-1.
Bukayo Saka (on for Noni Madueke 60’) 6
A bit better after a sluggish start to the tournament, linked well, but still lacking that usual burst we see with Arsenal at his best.
