Overview
- Harry Kane scored two late goals to overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure England a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last‑32, with both goals created by substitute Anthony Gordon.
- Kane’s brace brought his total to five goals in this tournament and 13 World Cup goals overall, putting him ahead of Pelé in the all‑time charts and matching a top spot in the Golden Boot race.
- The goals made Kane the first England player to score a World Cup knockout‑stage brace since Gary Lineker in 1990 and underlined his reliability in late moments.
- Teammates praised Kane’s daily routines, work ethic and consistency, with Gordon likening his season to Lionel Messi’s and crediting Kane as an on‑field teacher for the squad.
- Despite the win, reporters and players highlighted clear defensive weaknesses in the match and stressed those issues must be fixed before England travel to high‑altitude Estadio Azteca to face Mexico.