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It’s Three Lions 2-1 Leopards
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Harry Kane to the rescue!
England narrowly escaped what could have been one of the most shocking upsets in FIFA World Cup history on Wednesday night, smuggling themselves into the last 16 of the ongoing World Cup, courtesy of a second-half brace by their Captain fantastic and Bayern Munich mercurial striker, Harry Kane.
Rallying from a 7th-minute deficit, the Three Lions were lucky to come out tops with a 2-1 victory over hard-fighting Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Though coming from behind to secure their place spared the Englishmen some blushes, they were largely poor for long periods in Atlanta. However, Kane’s goals, which were both assisted by substitute Anthony Gordon, have now set up a tough meeting with co-hosts Mexico on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel’s men fell behind in just under seventh minute when Brian Cipenga was found in space inside the penalty area and easily beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.
Clearly shell-shocked by this early goal, the Three Lions struggled to string passes together, with their first real chance not arriving until the 30th minute, when Jude Bellingham’s header forced a save out of Lionel Mpasi.
Marcus Rashford then had a shot cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but England were lucky not to fall further behind when Yoane Wissa hit the post from close range after meeting Wan-Bissaka’s cross from the right.
Kane felt he should have had a penalty late in the first half when he went down under a challenge from Mpasi, but his appeals were waved away, and the DR Congo goalkeeper then produced superb saves to deny Bellingham and Kane to preserve his side’s lead at half-time.
England continued to push for an equaliser as Rashford fired into the side-netting before Mpasi once again kept out an effort from Bellingham.
In the end, it was the Bayern Munich striker who got the breakthrough when he headed home substitute Gordon’s cross from close range.
The same pair combined once again with four minutes left on the clock as Gordon recycled the ball after Bellingham had yet another shot saved by Mpasi, and Kane unleashed an unstoppable finish from the edge of the penalty area to secure victory.
