England 2-1 DR Congo

Kane brace completes comeback as England avoid xefeat

By Kede Aihie

DR Congo wrote the opening chapter, England wrote the ending in Atlanta. The Leopards stunned England’s travelling support with a 6th-minute counter-attack, exposing a shaky backline as a fierce strike beat Jordan Pickford. It was the script Thomas Tuchel did not want: England trailing at a World Cup for the first time since 1966, was last time theycame from behind to win a game.

For long spells it looked like it would get worse. England were sloppy in possession, DR Congo were persistent, and only a string of saves from the Congolese goalkeeper kept it 1-0 at the break. Harry Kane had a penalty shout waved away after going down under pressure, while Marcus Rashford missed a big chance from an England counter.

The turning point came with Tuchel’s triple change. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon replaced Noni Madueke and Rashford, and Eberechi Eze came on for Kyle Walker-Peters with Declan Rice dropping to right-back to shore things up defensively. Saka brought instant energy, Eze helped unlock a compact defence, and Rice’s shift gave England more control and stability late on.

England’s travelling support in Atlanta, edgy and restless, finally got relief late on. Kane equalized in the 75th minute with his 12th World Cup goal, pulling level with Pelé’s record. He wasn’t done. A spectacular second in the 86th minute completed the brace and took him to 13 World Cup goals, moving him clear of Pelé and sealing a 2-1 win.

DR Congo’s plan worked for 70 minutes. Compact, direct, and dangerous on the break, they almost made it 2-0 early and defended corners well for most of the night. But Tuchel’s changes tilted the game and England’s late surge turned one point into three.

England escape Atlanta with all three points, but the defensive issues won’t be ignored. The win keeps Tuchel’s side on track in the group, though coming from behind remains a rare feat. England had not done it at a World Cup since 1966 before tonight. DR Congo leave Mercedes-Benz Stadium with credit for the performance and the early lead, but are out of the tournament