Harry Kane scored twice late on to rescue England from an embarrassing World Cup elimination against DR Congo in the round of 32, setting up a tricky tie with hosts Mexico in the next round.
England were stunned by the African minnows after Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo ahead in the seventh minute, setting up a horribly tense and nervous last-32 clash.
As Thomas Tuchel‘s side prodded and probed for a way back into the game, they kept falling on the wrong side of dramatic goal line clearances and controversial penalty calls to look destined for a humiliating World Cup exit – but Kane had other ideas.
The captain scored a great header in the 75th minute to equalise before scoring an incredible goal 11 minutes later, wheeling away in celebration as the nation breathed a huge sigh of relief.
More to follow.
Harry Kane rescued England from the brink of World Cup elimination with a superb late brace
After equalising in the 75th minute, he produced a moment of brilliance to score a late winner
When it looked as though England may be heading out of the World Cup, Kane finally equalised with a header in the 75th minute before wheeling away in celebration with Jude Bellingham
Brian Cipenga stunned England with an early goal to hand DR Congo a shock lead in Atlanta
DR Congo found him isolated on the left-hand side and he beat Jordan Pickford at his near post
Jude Bellingham had a great chance to equalise but could not direct his header into the corner
England were denied what appeared to be a stonewall penalty after Kane drew contact in the area – but was adjudged by the referee and VAR to have dived to the fury of Thomas Tuchel
Moments later, DR Congo Lionel Mpasi put his body on the line to prevent Kane from scoring
