Kane rescues England again as world media agrees: the Three Lions depend on their captain

Harry Kane scored twice in 11 minutes to drag England past DR Congo 2-1 in Atlanta, sparing Thomas Tuchel’s side what would have been one of the most embarrassing results in their World Cup history. The Three Lions had fallen behind to Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute opener before their captain, once again, delivered when it mattered most. England now face Mexico in a last-16 tie in Mexico City.

The performance itself was widely panned, but international media largely chose to frame the story around Kane’s brilliance rather than his teammates’ shortcomings — a distinction that speaks volumes about where England’s quality is concentrated.

Spain’s El Mundo was among the most generous in its assessment of the captain: “The striker demonstrated once again why he is their star player, the only one capable of maintaining the necessary composure to prevent Congo from making them look ridiculous, orchestrating an epic comeback in the final stages of the match.”

France’s L’Equipe drew a direct line to England’s most painful recent memory, writing that the match “brought back memories” of their “grotesque” exit to Iceland at Euro 2016. “The English fans felt a deep anxiety, which they had probably not felt for 10 years,” the outlet noted, before adding: “Kane confirmed his status as the absolute saviour of a team that will once again rely on him.”

Germany’s Die Welt was more succinct, simply branding him “King Kane” and crediting him with saving Tuchel’s side from an embarrassing defeat.

One subplot that drew attention was the contribution of substitute Anthony Gordon, who assisted both of Kane’s goals despite a lukewarm reception from England supporters when he was introduced early in the second half. Australia’s Fox Sports, reporting from a London pub, noted the irony: fans who had been critical of the winger quickly warmed to him once the goals went in.

Jürgen Klopp, speaking on German television, offered perhaps the most striking take — calling it the “perfect World Cup match” and comparing Kane’s role for England to that of Lionel Messi for Argentina. “I’ve truly never seen anything like it,” Klopp said, describing Kane as “almost indescribable.” England supporters, still processing a first-half scare against a team ranked far below them, may not share his enthusiasm for the spectacle — but few would argue with his verdict on their captain.