Harry Kane scored twice to help England avoid a major upset and advance to the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 win over DR Congo. Kane’s goals came in the 75th and 86th minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, securing a central victory for head coach Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Two Central Goals from Kane

England had struggled for much of the match, going a goal down in the seventh minute to Brian Cipenga; the DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, had been a standout performer, making several key saves including denying Jude Bellingham and Kane in the first half. However, the turning point came in the 75th minute when substitute Anthony Gordon delivered a cross that Kane headed past Mpasi for the equalizer.

Eleven minutes later, Kane demonstrated his world-class ability with a stunning solo goal. After shaking off the attentions of the DR Congo defense, Kane struck a powerful shot into the top corner, sealing England’s place in the next round. According to the BBC, Kane’s second goal was a “piece of individual brilliance” that showed he is the “complete player.”

England’s Hard-Fought Victory

For much of the game, England looked in danger of one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Anchorage Daily News reported that England had previously only won one game at the World Cup after conceding the first goal, a 1996 final victory over West Germany. The win against DR Congo was a relief for Tuchel, who praised his team’s mental resilience. “We have always believed,” Tuchel said, according to sportschau.de. “We have earned this win, but we had to work very hard for it.”

Kane’s performance also extended his record as England’s leading scorer in World Cup history with 13 goals. He now has 84 goals for his country in total, according to Anchorage Daily News. Tuchel emphasized the importance of maintaining this mindset moving forward. “We must keep this mindset, never lose patience and faith,” he said.

Next Challenge: Mexico in Mexico City

England will now face co-host Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday. The venue has a storied history for England, including their 1986 quarter-final defeat by Argentina. Tuchel acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that the altitude could play a role. “It will be a tough game,” he said, according to the BBC. “But we will be ready.”

Kane was full of praise for the team effort. “We spoke about people having hero moments,” he said, according to Anchorage Daily News. “It can be anyone in the team. For me, it was today.” England’s victory was not just Kane’s doing — substitute Anthony Gordon was also involved in both of Kane’s goals, according to the BBC.

As England prepares for the next round, the focus is on replicating the performance that saw them escape a potential disaster. Kane’s heroics and the team’s resilience have given the squad confidence ahead of what promises to be a tough tie in Mexico City.