England come from behind to secure passage into the last-16

England set up a World Cup last 16 showdown against co-hosts Mexico with a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32, courtesy of a brace from Harry Kane, who scored in the final 15 minutes after Brian Cipenga had given the African side a shock seventh-minute lead. 

 Kane came to England, rescued this time around, with a brilliant double to inspire England to a come-from-behind victory.

With an opponent like Mexico, the co-host, England, may not even have a lifeline, with their fans behind them inside their own stadium.

Thomas Tuchel’s side found themselves a goal down early in the game after Brian Cipenga put Congo DR ahead seven minutes into the first World Cup knockout game in their history, but Kane came to the rescue.

Kane got the equalizer when he headed in substitute Anthony Gordon’s cross with a quarter of an hour remaining. 

The Bayern Munich striker then rifled home a stunning 86th-minute winner to complete the comeback.

Kane is now above Brazil legend Pele, with 13 goals at World Cups, which also ensures England will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the last 16 on Monday.

Kane is also in the hunt for the Golden Boot prize as he is now on five goals at the tournament, one behind Lionel Messi.

Congo made England work hard for the victory, with Cipenga capitalizing on defensive disarray to beat Jordan Pickford at his near post for the shock opener.

 DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made a string of saves to keep England at bay at the other end before the English team eventually got an edge.

The goalie had thwarted Jude Bellingham’s effort on three occasions, while Marcus Rashford had a shot cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Before restoring parity, England had been denied a breakthrough as they were not awarded a penalty earlier after Kane went to ground following contact from Mpasi inside the box.

As England laboured at times against their disciplined opponent,  Tuchel’s changes were the difference and Kane’s emphatic winner, fired into the roof of the net after finding space amid a crowd of defenders, kept their World Cup dream alive.