Harry Kane saves England from surprise elimination against DR Congo

England came close to going out in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, but Harry Kane once again demonstrated his role as a hero. Trailing since the 75th minute after a goal from Brian Cipenga, the Three Lions seemed in great difficulty against a solid and organized Congolese team. However, the English captain was able to overcome the pressure to offer a spectacular turnaround for his team.

First, Kane equalized with a header from a cross from Anthony Gordon, coming on recently, before scoring the decisive goal by taking another serve from the Barcelona player in the 86th minute. This double makes Kane the first Englishman to achieve such a feat in a knockout match since Gary Lineker, during the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup against Cameroon.

In 11 knockout matches in major tournaments (World Cup and Euro) since Euro 2020, Kane has scored 10 goals, a European record far ahead of stars like Kylian Mbappé (7 goals over the same period). This victory is only England's second in the World Cup after being behind, the first dating back to the victorious final in 1966 against Germany (4-2).

After the match, Kane analyzed his team's performance on BBC Sport: “We faced a tough and well-organized team. After the first break, we raised our level of play. Our goalkeeper made some incredible saves, but we had to keep believing. Whether it's me, Jude [Bellingham] or someone else, we have hero moments. You have to remain patient. » He also underlined the importance of these laborious victories in the knockout stages: “These rounds are above all about obtaining qualification, as the coach said. »

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With now 13 goals in the World Cup, Kane joins Just Fontaine in sixth place among the top scorers in the history of the competition. Only Lionel Messi (19), Kylian Mbappé (18), Miroslav Klose (16), Ronaldo Nazario (15) and Gerd Muller (14) do better.

On the sidelines, the England captain gathered his teammates for a warm speech: “I just told them to enjoy. Sometimes, in a team like England, we don't celebrate these important victories enough. We're in eighth grade, we have to savor it. Over 90 minutes, we were difficult to maneuver. »

Midfielder Elliot Anderson confirmed this atmosphere: “He told us to enjoy. We're in the eighth grade, we have to savor this moment with the supporters, before getting back to work. They are big-time players, we are counting on them to go far. »

The road continues for England, which has clearly shown its competitive face in this World Cup and will be able to count on the inspiration of Harry Kane in the hot moments of the tournament.