Kane's two-goal rescue act drags shambolic England past DR Congo in Atlanta

Harry Kane scored twice in 11 second-half minutes to rescue England from a deeply shambolic performance and seal a World Cup group-stage victory over DR Congo at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with 68,239 fans inside to witness it.

England had been heading towards what journalist Henry Winter described as “ignominy” — a first-half display that drew boos at the break, featured some wretched defending, and was kept level only by acrobatic goalkeeping from Lionel Mpasi and a controversial VAR decision that denied England a penalty. The echoes, Winter wrote, were of Nice in 2016.

Kane’s response changed everything. His first goal, a placed and powerful header, brought relief through the majority of the crowd. His second, a trademark drive after creating space for himself, put the result beyond doubt and sent England into the round of 16. It was, in Winter’s assessment, arguably the greatest spell of football Kane has produced in his 118 internationals — a display that showcased his movement, his finishing, and his sheer determination to turn the tide.

Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions played their part. He hooked an outclassed Djed Spence, sent on Eberechi Eze, and shifted Declan Rice to right-back — a position from which Rice attacked effectively before going down with cramp. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon replaced the disappointing Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford on the wings, and England’s second half looked like a different team.

Right-back had been Tuchel’s blind spot throughout the tournament. His decision to overlook Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Trent Alexander-Arnold left him fielding Spence, who was immediately targeted by DR Congo and was responsible for the defensive collapse that opened after just seven minutes.

DR Congo, ranked 41st in the world, faded as the half wore on and ultimately succumbed to the fourth-ranked nation — but the manner of the win will concern Tuchel. England face Mexico next at the Azteca, at altitude, and will need Kane at his very best again.

Kane has now scored 84 international goals for England. Few would bet against him reaching 100.