Harry Kane scores twice in 11 minutes to fire England into the last 16

Darwin, July 2: England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 16, thanks to two second-half goals from captain Harry Kane.

The Three Lions fell behind as early as the seventh minute when Brian Sipegner found the net for DR Congo with a superb low strike into the bottom-left corner after being set up by captain Chancel Mbemba.

Despite creating several chances throughout the first half, England were repeatedly denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced a string of outstanding saves to preserve his side’s lead before the break.

Jude Bellingham came close with a powerful header in the 30th minute, but Mpasi reacted brilliantly to keep it out. Marcus Rashford also saw a dangerous effort deflected wide, while DR Congo nearly doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when Yoane Wissa struck the post after England’s defence failed to clear their lines.

Just before halftime, Harry Kane appealed for a penalty after colliding with Mpasi inside the box, but the referee instead awarded a free-kick to DR Congo for a foul by the England captain.

England continued to dominate after the restart, but Mpasi once again frustrated them with another excellent save from a deflected Bellingham effort in the 54th minute.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute. Anthony Gordon delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Kane powered a header past Mpasi to bring England level at 1-1.

Just 11 minutes later, Kane completed the comeback. Collecting another pass from Gordon inside the penalty area, he unleashed a powerful right-footed shot into the net to give England a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute.

The score remained unchanged until the final whistle, sealing England’s place in the round of 16, where they will face Mexico on July 6.

It was England’s first World Cup victory after conceding the opening goal since 1966, making the comeback a historic one.

Kane’s brace also took his overall World Cup tally to 13 goals, moving him past Brazilian legend Pelé. The England captain has now scored five goals in this year’s tournament.