England fought back from an early setback to confirm their spot in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, with skipper Harry Kane netting twice in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday. Despite a lacklustre overall performance in Atlanta, Kane’s brace—both set up by substitute Anthony Gordon—earned the Three Lions a clash with co-hosts Mexico on Sunday.
The match got off to a nightmare start for Thomas Tuchel’s men, as Brian Cipenga found space inside the England box and beat Jordan Pickford at his near post in just the seventh minute. The early goal rattled England, who struggled to find rhythm in possession. Their first real chance came half an hour in when Jude Bellingham’s header forced Lionel Mpasi into a smart save.
Marcus Rashford saw a shot cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka shortly after, but England were fortunate not to concede again when Yoane Wissa struck the post from close range following a cross from Wan-Bissaka on the right.
Kane believed he was fouled inside the box late in the first half after a challenge from Mpasi, but his penalty appeals were dismissed. The DR Congo goalkeeper then made a string of quality saves to deny both Bellingham and Kane, keeping his side ahead at the break.
After the restart, England pressed for an equaliser, with Rashford smashing into the side-netting and Mpasi once again thwarting Bellingham’s effort. The breakthrough finally arrived when Kane nodded home an Anthony Gordon cross from close range to level the score.
With only four minutes remaining, the same duo combined again. Gordon picked up a loose ball after Bellingham’s strike was saved, and Kane unleashed a powerful finish from the edge of the area to complete the turnaround and seal the win.
Here’s how England’s players rated from their performance in Atlanta:
Goalkeeper & Defence
Jordan Pickford (3/10):
Should never have been beaten at his near post by Cipenga’s effort. Had little else to do afterwards, offering no opportunity for redemption.
Djed Spence (5/10):
Left exposed for DR Congo’s opener but also looked uncertain during other defensive moments.
Ezri Konsa (4/10):
A poor decision to follow Wissa created space for the opposition to exploit. Looked uneasy without the ball for much of the match.
Marc Guehi (5/10):
Moved the ball comfortably across the backline but failed to leave a mark beyond that.
Nico O'Reilly (4/10):
Remained shaky defensively and contributed little going forward.
Midfield
Elliot Anderson (4/10):
Struggled to influence the game, offering little in possession or defensively.
Declan Rice (5/10):
Displayed some drive from midfield early on and again after moving to right-back late in the match. However, his set-piece delivery was below his usual standards.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
Once more looked like England’s main creative spark. Would likely have found the net if not for four top saves from Mpasi.
Attack
Noni Madueke (3/10):
Failed to track back for the opening goal and didn’t redeem himself after. Showed flashes with some dribbles and crosses but lacked consistency and quality delivery.
Harry Kane (8/10):
Denied a potential penalty and a first-half goal by Mpasi’s brilliance. Though quiet for long stretches, he proved decisive with two crucial goals, the second being a clinical strike.
Marcus Rashford (3/10):
Used his pace to beat defenders a few times but his final product—both crosses and shots—was disappointing. Substituted before the hour mark.
Substitutes & Manager
Bukayo Saka (5/10):
Brought slight improvement over Madueke but still appeared short of full fitness.
Anthony Gordon (7/10):
Turned the game around down the left flank, providing two assists for Kane and causing constant problems for Wan-Bissaka.
Eberechi Eze (5/10):
Helped shift the momentum after coming on, even though he wasn’t directly involved in either goal.
John Stones (N/A):
Came on in stoppage time for the cramping Rice.
Thomas Tuchel (5/10):
His team looked far from their best for most of the game, but his substitutions ultimately made the difference and sparked the comeback.
