Kane gives England their greatest moment

In an Atlanta stadium that saw the outside heat replaced by a futuristic roof, Harry Kane gave England what amounts to their greatest moment in the national jersey. While Thomas Tuchel's selection seemed to be heading towards a humiliating elimination against DR Congo, the captain intervened to reverse the situation and qualify his team for the round of 16.

Behind in the score until the 75th minute, the Three Lions seemed without ideas and lacking inspiration against a solid DR Congo, carried by an inspired goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, author of a series of remarkable saves. It was Kane who restarted the match: first with a powerful header that deceived Mpasi, before driving the point home in added time.

In the 86th minute, after a decisive entry from Anthony Gordon — involved in both goals — Kane received the ball, played past a Congolese defender and unleashed an exceptional right-footed shot, lodged high in the top corner. The celebration, accompanied by a huge release, capped a stunning end to the match and gave England a 2-1 victory.

Kane's performance came as a relief to Thomas Tuchel, whose position would have been untenable in the event of defeat, despite the recent contract extension. The German technician was full of praise: “Harry is so, so good. He's our captain. He decides matches with incredible endings and he did it here twice. The second goal was just brilliant. »

Statistically, this evening further strengthens the legend of Kane. He now has five goals in this tournament, taking part in the race for the Golden Boot against Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. With this double, he climbs to 13 goals in World Cups, reaching sixth place in the historical ranking (in the same rank as Pelé according to the cited count). He has 84 goals for England, tying him with Ferenc Puskás for ninth among international scorers.

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Kane also becomes the first English player to score a double in the knockout stage since Gary Lineker against Cameroon in 1990. He now has five goals in knockout matches in World Cup history; only Lineker (6) did better for England.

In terms of season figures, the 32-year-old has an impressive total of 72 goals in 62 matches in all competitions for club and country this season: 61 with Bayern Munich and 11 with England.

Kane's teammates, including Jude Bellingham, paid tribute to their captain. Bellingham assured that he would remember a player and a man whose partner he is proud to be. Anthony Gordon, author of a decisive entry, praised Kane's consistency and professionalism: “Anyone can score a great goal, but the consistency he displays, every day in training and in every match, is phenomenal. »

Now for the next challenge: the Azteca in Mexico. England will face Mexico in the round of 16, a stage made even more difficult by the altitude and the overheated atmosphere of the stadium. Mexico has little negative history at home – just two defeats in its last 89 competitive home matches, almost 70 wins at the Azteca and a run of 10 unbeaten World Cup matches at this venue – which promises an extremely hostile environment for the English.

If Atlanta has proven one thing, it's that as long as Harry Kane is there, England have reason to hope.