Harry Kane scores twice as England beat Congo 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16

Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as England recovered from a surprise deficit to beat Congo 2-1 and secure a World Cup round of 16 place. Kane levelled with a header after Brian Cipenga’s opener, then struck in the 86th minute. England next face co-host Mexico in Mexico City.

Harry Kane struck twice after the break as England recovered to beat Congo 2-1. The win sealed England’s place in the World Cup round of 16 on Wednesday. Brian Cipenga had earlier put Congo ahead, leaving England under pressure at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

England will face co-host Mexico next in the round of 16 in Mexico City on Sunday. For long spells, England looked close to a major World Cup shock. England had previously won only one World Cup match after going behind first.

Harry Kane goals drive England World Cup comeback

Cipenga gave Congo a surprise lead in the seventh minute. Cipenga collected a cross on the left of the box. Cipenga then fired low past Jordan Pickford at the near post. Congo carried the 1-0 advantage into half-time, with England struggling to finish chances.

Kane levelled the match in the 75th minute with a header. Substitute Anthony Gordon sent in a cross from the left. Lionel Mpasi got a hand to the header but failed to stop it. The ball dropped into the bottom corner, finally breaking Congo’s resistance.

England completed the turnaround late in the match. Kane struck again in the 86th minute, driving the ball into the top corner. "It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come,\" Kane said. \"We spoke about people having hero moments. It can be anyone in the team … Whoever it is, we have hero moments, and for me it was the day.\"

Lionel Mpasi keeps Congo in England World Cup tie

Mpasi produced several key saves to protect Congo’s lead. Mpasi stopped Jude Bellingham three times. Mpasi blocked two close-range headers before half-time. After the break, Mpasi clawed away another effort that took a deflection. Mpasi also blocked a strong Kane shot at the near post.

England appealed for a penalty after a collision involving Kane in the box. Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away the claims. Congo also threatened a second goal in the first half. Yoane Wissa struck the post, a chance that could have changed the match.

England World Cup records as Harry Kane reaches five goals

Kane’s double lifted Kane to five goals at this year’s World Cup. Kane also extended Kane’s England record in World Cup scoring to 13. Kane now has 84 goals for the national team overall. England’s rally avoided another setback after conceding first.

With inputs from PTI