England Fight Back To Beat DR Congo 2-1 And Reach Round of 16
England came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in a tense encounter and book their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico.
It was a spirited performance from Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo, who struck first in the sixth minute through Almería midfielder Brian Chipeta. The Leopards were kept in the match for long spells by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who produced a superb first-half display with multiple diving saves and high claims to frustrate England.
England found their breakthrough through Harry Kane, who equalised with a header from a Gordon cross after coming on as a substitute. With four minutes of stoppage time remaining, Kane struck again with a well-taken shot that beat Mpasi and sealed England’s 2-1 win. The Bayern Munich forward was named Player of the Match.
Speaking after the game, Kane praised England’s patience and belief. “Obviously it was tough, especially going behind, but after that first hydration break we stepped it up a level. We looked really good. It was unbelievable and it’s just about staying patient, keeping pounding the rock and knowing our moments will come. We’ve spoken about people having hero moments. It can be anyone in the team — whether it’s me scoring, Pickford making a save or one of the defenders making a block. Everyone can have their hero moment, and we had that today.”
Head coach Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for his striker and the team’s mentality. “I expect that from Kane — and he expects it from himself. In these difficult matches, he’s here to decide them. That’s top level,” Tuchel said. On the match itself, he added: “I think everyone wants an early goal, then a second — that’s what everyone wants. But you have to deal with the situation as it comes. They got the early goal and we went behind. After the first water break we had three or four big chances, maybe a penalty as well. The goalkeeper made incredible saves. The reaction and belief is one of a kind. They kept doing what was necessary and found a way to win — well deserved. It got more difficult, but they just kept knocking and knocking and stayed patient.”
England now turn their focus to a Round of 16 clash with Mexico, carrying the momentum of a comeback built on resilience and late quality.