By Oscar Okhifo
England staged a dramatic late comeback to avoid one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup, defeating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday as captain Harry Kane scored twice in the closing stages to send the Three Lions into the Round of 16.
The African side stunned England with an early breakthrough in the seventh minute when Brian Cipenga capped a swift counterattacking move, punishing a defensive lapse to give DR Congo a deserved lead.
Buoyed by the opener, DR Congo defended resolutely and frustrated England for much of the contest. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi delivered an outstanding performance, producing a series of crucial saves to deny the Europeans and preserve his side’s advantage.
England also felt aggrieved after being denied what appeared to be a clear first-half penalty when Kane went down following contact with Mpasi inside the penalty area. Despite strong appeals, the referee waved play on, while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) declined to intervene.
England’s pressure finally paid off in the 75th minute after manager Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions transformed the game. Anthony Gordon delivered a pinpoint cross that Kane powered home with a commanding header to level the scores and swing the momentum in England’s favour.
With extra time looming, Kane once again proved decisive. In the 86th minute, the England skipper created space on the edge of the area before firing an unstoppable strike beyond Mpasi to complete the comeback and spark jubilant celebrations among England’s players and supporters.
The brace took Kane’s World Cup tally to 13 goals and his overall England record to 84, further extending his status as the nation’s all-time leading scorer while strengthening his challenge for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Despite securing qualification, England’s display raised fresh concerns ahead of the knockout rounds. Tuchel’s side looked vulnerable defensively, with DR Congo repeatedly threatening on the counterattack and creating opportunities to extend their lead before halftime.
England also struggled to break down their well-drilled opponents until Gordon and Bukayo Saka injected greater pace, creativity and urgency into the attack after coming off the bench.
The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash against Mexico in what is expected to be one of the standout ties of the knockout phase.
However, England will need a far more convincing performance if they are to progress further, with defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge for long spells likely to be punished by stronger opposition.
The match also reignited debate over the application of VAR, particularly the decision not to award England a first-half penalty.
Former elite referee Andy Davies criticised the decision, insisting the officials got it wrong.
“I have no doubt this should have been a penalty, and England should feel unfortunate,” Davies said.
“The goalkeeper failed to win the ball and instead made contact with Kane. These situations need to be reviewed at real speed, and the fact it wasn’t has certainly cost England a spot kick.”
Although England ultimately escaped with victory, their narrow win served as a warning that tougher tests lie ahead. While Kane once again delivered when it mattered most, Tuchel’s side will require greater defensive solidity and more consistent attacking fluency if they are to sustain their bid for World Cup glory.