England‘s bid to end 60 years of hurt on the global stage continues after beating DR Congo in their first World Cup knockout-stage clash.

The Three Lions topped Group L but had to really battle to progress, falling behind early and toiling for some time until captain Harry Kane struck twice.

Co-hosts Mexico now await them in the high-altitude cauldron of the Estadio Azteca for a blockbuster last-16 tie. Mexico impressed in a dominant 2-0 win against fellow dark horses Ecuador on Tuesday night and will be relish the chance to down one of the tournament’s biggest hitters.

If they overcome that serious test of resolve, Norway will be their quarter-final opponent after Erling Haaland dumped out with Brazil with two second-half goals in New Jersey.

England might then expect to face Argentina, following a flawless group-stage campaign inspired by Lionel Messi, in the semi-finals – if all goes as predicted. Argentina beat Cape Verde in the round of 32, and face Egypt in the last-16 before crossing paths with one of Switzerland or Colombia in the quarters.

If England can get all the way, their most likely opponents would be Spain, Portugal or France in the final.

17 June: England 4-2 Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington

23 June: England 0-0 Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

27 June: England 2-0 Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

1 July: England 2-1 DR Congo | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

11 July: England vs Norway | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

15 July: England vs Argentina / Egypt / Switzerland / Colombia | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

19 July: England vs Spain / Portugal / USA / Belgium / Morocco / France | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey