Overview
- England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta after Harry Kane scored in the 75th and 86th minutes to complete the comeback.
- Brian Cipenga put DR Congo ahead in the seventh minute, which marked the nation’s first ever knockout-stage goal at a World Cup.
- Anthony Gordon, introduced as a substitute, provided the crosses for both Kane goals and was reported by statisticians to be the first substitute with two knockout-stage assists in World Cup history.
- Manager Thomas Tuchel praised the team’s refusal to accept defeat, but the match again highlighted recurring defensive lapses that raised questions before the tie with Mexico.
- Kane’s brace took his World Cup total to 13 goals, a tournament tally noted in reports as surpassing Pelé’s mark, and England now prepare for a last-16 test against co-host Mexico at the Azteca.