England vs DR Congo LIVE: Superb Kane double saves Three Lions from humiliating World Cup exit
England 2-1 DR Congo: Brian Cipenga gave Congo a shock early lead before Harry Kane headed home a 75th-minute equaliser and lashed home a rocket of a second goal four minutes from time to complete the turnaround
Harry Kane came to England’s rescue like so many times before as his double against DR Congo saved the Three Lions from a humiliating exit in the World Cup last 32.
Huge underdogs DR Congo had surged into an early lead thanks to Brian Cipenga’s ninth-minute goal, as he beat Jordan Pickford at the near post, and England were frustrated thereafter – with Kane denied a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
But the skipper came to the rescue as he nodded home Anthony Gordon’s cross 15 minutes from time and then thundered in an 86th-minute winner to stave off a humiliating defeat and send them into the last 16.
A mammoth clash against co-hosts Mexico in the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca now awaits Thomas Tuchel’s side, who will need a much better performance than this to advance to the quarter-finals.
Follow all the reaction to England’s dramatic win over DR Congo below:
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Here are our power rankings for the tournament, written before the first round-of-32 game.
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England’s best five penalty takers at the World Cup – and one player who probably shouldn’t take one
England managed to avoid a shootout today, but penalties may await in later rounds.
Here, Lawrence Ostlere analyses our five best penalty takers, and one player who probablyyyy shouldn’t step up:
England’s best penalty takers at the World Cup – and one who shouldn’t step up
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
With parallels to Michael Jordan and an ‘attitude’ more recognisable in American athletes, Bellingham is carving his own path as a Black football superstar and England must learn to adapt, writes Miguel Delaney.
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
Player ratings for England’s substitutes
Anthony Gordon (on for Marcus Rashford 60’) - 7
Delightful ball into the six-yard box for Kane’s equaliser and then provided a calm touch and pass for his teammate to make it 2-1.
Bukayo Saka (on for Noni Madueke 60’) - 6
A bit better after a sluggish start to the tournament, linked well, but still lacking that usual burst we see with Arsenal at his best.
Eberechi Eze (on for Djed Spence 70’) - 6
John Stones (on for Declan Rice 90+1’) - n/a
More England player ratings
Declan Rice 6
Poor delivery for set-pieces at times, but he reverted to right-back and impressed in the second half with England chasing. It might be something Tuchel considers again against Mexico.
Marcus Rashford 6
Plenty of drive down the left, spins Mbemba in the second half, but should do better in front of goal. Taken off after an hour, but did at least bring a vertical option.
More here:
England player ratings vs DR Congo as Kane saves Three Lions at World Cup
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