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It looked like a straightforward fixture on paper, but in tournament football, nothing comes easy. DR Congo proved to be no pushovers and gave England plenty to worry about before Harry Kane’s goal sealed a narrow 2-1 win and a place in the last 16.

England’s struggles against compact, defensive sides were on display again early on, and Thomas Tuchel’s men were made to sweat after a poor start.

The match, held at Atlanta Stadium, began disastrously for the Three Lions. DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga found himself unmarked on the left and rifled his first international goal past Jordan Pickford at the near post in the seventh minute. England were behind, and Pickford will not be happy with his effort. His defenders might feel equally culpable.

As the game progressed, England gradually began to settle. Nico O’Reilly combined with Jude Bellingham to help England control possession, but DR Congo stood firm. After 15 minutes, England had 54% possession but just one shot — Cipenga’s goal. The game was physical, with England committing four fouls to DR Congo’s one.

Bellingham picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge that ended a shaky defensive spell for England. Tuchel’s backline looked far from convincing, and the team’s cohesion was lacking. DR Congo remained organised, disciplined, and fully committed to frustrating their opponents.

Noah Sadiki joined Bellingham in the referee’s book after bringing down Djed Spence. Declan Rice’s ensuing free-kick was deflected wide off Ezri Konsa’s knee, but England finally began spending time in the attacking third.

Bellingham came close in the 29th minute, meeting Rice’s cross with a header that forced DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into an excellent save. England now had one shot on target to match DR Congo’s, and their possession had risen to 58%. Despite this, their early concession still stung.

Harry Kane then saw a clear chance blocked by Axel Tuanzebe, before Noni Madueke’s dangerous cross was cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. DR Congo were hanging on as England pressed harder for an equaliser.

Yoane Wissa almost punished England again, striking the post after getting across Konsa to meet Wan-Bissaka’s cross. England were lucky not to fall further behind. Moments later, Kane went down under Mpasi’s challenge, but the referee waved play on, with VAR confirming no penalty.

In stoppage time, Bellingham again tested Mpasi with a header, and Kane’s volley was brilliantly saved by the Congolese goalkeeper. England went into the break trailing 1-0, with much to fix. Madueke showed flashes of creativity but lacked consistency, and Tuchel had plenty to ponder.

At half-time, England had eight shots (four on target) to DR Congo’s one (their goal). Possession stood at 59% for England, with two corners to one and a yellow card apiece. Former Premier League referee Darren Cann later argued that Kane should have been awarded a penalty for Mpasi’s challenge.

Six minutes into the second half, Marcus Rashford hit the side netting after a sharp run, and Mpasi again denied Bellingham’s deflected cross. England kept pushing but lacked precision in the final third. By the hour mark, they had 60% possession and four shots on target but had squandered six big chances.

Tuchel responded with changes — Anthony Gordon replaced Rashford, and Bukayo Saka came on for Madueke. DR Congo also made alterations, with Meschack Elia replacing Nathanael Mbuku. Later, Theo Bongonda and Edo Kayembe joined the fray, taking over from Ngal Mukau and Cipenga.

England continued to probe, with Rice now operating effectively at right-back after Spence’s substitution. His energy from deep positions added impetus. Then, in the closing stages, Mpasi saved from Bellingham, but Kane was on hand to smash home the rebound after fine play from Gordon — a true captain’s goal to make it 2-1.

DR Congo made two final changes, introducing Fiston Mayele and Joris Kayembe for Wissa and Arthur Masuaku. John Stones replaced Rice late on as England saw out six minutes of added time.

Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 5
Should have done better with Cipenga’s opener at his near post.

Djed Spence - 4
Showed intent going forward but lacked quality in his delivery.

Ezri Konsa - 4
Unsteady display from the centre-back pairing.

Marc Guehi - 5
Improved in possession but remained suspect defensively.

Nico O’Reilly - 4
Failed to influence the game from wide areas.

Declan Rice - 6
Mixed set-piece execution but steady in buildup; adapted well at right-back.

Elliot Anderson - 5
Neat passing but lacked penetration.

Jude Bellingham - 6
Two dangerous headers in the first half; faded slightly but kept pushing.

Marcus Rashford - 4
Threatened sporadically but lacked end product.

Noni Madueke - 4
Flashes of creativity but inconsistent.

Harry Kane - 7
Did what captains do — scored when it mattered most.

Substitutes

Anthony Gordon - 6
Bright cameo, assisted Kane’s equaliser and showed composure for the second goal.

Bukayo Saka - 5
Recovered from a shaky start to add balance on the right.

Eberechi Eze - 5
Linked well with Rice and Saka on the flank.

John Stones - N/A
Came on in stoppage time.

It was a narrow escape for England. The Three Lions were poor for long stretches, but Kane’s leadership and finishing once again proved decisive. His two goals in this match take his World Cup 2026 tally to five.

England will now face Mexico in the round of 16 at Mexico City Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 1:00am UK time on Monday. Playing at altitude in the Azteca — where Mexico have never lost a World Cup match — will be a monumental challenge.

DR Congo exit the tournament with pride after a committed performance that troubled England throughout. Meanwhile, Tuchel’s side have plenty to improve before meeting El Tri.

Reflecting after the match, Harry Kane said, “It feels amazing, to be honest. What a crazy game. We went behind against a tough, organised team, but after the first hydration break, we lifted our level. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves, but we kept believing and knew our moment would come. Everyone in the team can have a hero moment — today, it was mine.”

England now turn their focus to Mexico, where they will need to be twice as good to reach the quarter-finals.