Captain Kane helps England complete a thrilling comeback win over fearless DR Congo

The best World Cup stories leave behind both heroes and heartbreak. England survived one of the biggest scares of their campaign on Wednesday night, coming from behind to beat fearless DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the round of 16. But even in defeat, the Leopards left Atlanta with a transformed reputation after pushing one of the tournament favorites to the brink.

Contrary to almost every pre-match prediction, it was DR Congo that struck the first blow. A deep cross from the right confused Djed Spence when he misjudged the bounce, allowing Brian Cipenga to steal unmarked at the far post. The forward took a decisive goal before firing a low finish into the bottom left corner from a tight angle, beating Jordan Pickford at his near post and sending the Congolese supporters into delirium. Cipenga immortalized the moment with a flying somersault and made sure the celebration matched the quality of the finish.

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England made their first free opening around the half-hour mark. Declan Rice scored an inviting cross and Jude Bellingham rose to guide a header into the top right corner before Lionel Mpasi produced a stunning one-handed save, leaning back to claw the ball away. Five minutes later, Noni Madueke raced to the byline and clipped the ball back for Marcus Rashford, whose close-range effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who once came close to the England representative before switching allegiances.

Thomas Tuchel’s words during the hydration break calmed England’s nerves but Mpasi stood like a one-man wall. The goalkeeper denied England time and time again and maintained their slim lead with a series of excellent saves.

DR Congo should have doubled its lead just before half time. Wan-Bissaka curled a teasing low cross to the near post, where Yoane Wissa shot for Ezri Konsa but sent his first-time effort against the base of the post. England escaped and within seconds Harry Kane burst into the Congolese box before going down under minimal contact from Mpasi. Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away the appeal, ruling that Kane had exaggerated the fall, and VAR agreed despite England’s angry protests.

As the second half progressed, England continued to create openings but missed the finish to match the urgency, while Mpasi remained steadfast to keep Congo’s meager score safe, while Tuchel grew increasingly irritated.

But eventually the Congolese goalkeeper gave in. Kane drifted away from his marker in the 75th minute and met Anthony Gordon’s floating cross and headed his header past Mpasi, who reacted a fraction too late after a night of defiance.

England’s captain and savior then struck the decisive blow with less than five minutes of regulation time. He needed one touch to shift the ball away from Axel Tuanzebe before unleashing a right-footed shot that rippled the roof of the net.

England had survived. And Atlanta, with memories of Three Lions fans reportedly drinking Dallas dry after the tournament opener, could only hope it had filled enough kegs for the long night ahead.

Published on July 2, 2026