JAKARTA - England has advanced to the 2026 World Cup round of 16 to face Mexico after a dramatic 2-1 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 at the Atlanta Stadium, United States, Wednesday (1/7).
Harry Kane became the hero of the Three Lions victory with two goals scored in the second half.
England were stunned by a quick goal from Congo in the 7th minute. Brian Cipenga broke through on the left side after receiving a long pass from Chancel Mbemba before firing into the near post which was saved by Jordan Pickford.
Falling behind by one goal made Thomas Tuchel's team try to take over the game. However, the English attack was often rushed so that it was easy to break the opponent's defense.
The first chance came through a dead ball situation when Declan Rice's free kick hit Ezri Konsa before the ball went wide.
England's pressure increased before halftime. Marcus Rashford almost equalized through a header that Lionel Mpasi deflected.
Rashford again got a golden opportunity in the 34th minute, but his shot was blocked by Aaron Wan-Bissaka right in front of the goal line.
Congo almost doubled the lead in the 44th minute through Yoane Wissa's header that hit the post. On the other hand, Mpasi performed brilliantly by thwarting Jude Bellingham's header and Harry Kane's shot so that the first half ended 1-0 for Congo.
In the second half, England immediately increased the intensity of the attack. Rashford threatened in the 48th minute, while Mpasi made another important save when deflecting the ball towards his goal due to Aaron Wan-Bissaka's reflection.
Tuchel made crucial changes by bringing on Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka to replace Rashford and Noni Madueke.
The change paid off. England finally equalised in the 75th minute.
Gordon's cross was met by Harry Kane's header in front of the goal, which successfully defeated Mpasi and changed the score to 1-1.
When the match seemed to continue into extra time, Kane again emerged as the difference.
Gordon was again involved in the goal. The new Barcelona player passed two players before passing the ball to Kane.
The England captain, as reported by Antara, then entered the penalty box before firing even though he didn't look in the direction of the goal, which was missed by Mpasi.
Kane's second goal sealed a 2-1 victory for England, which took the Three Lions into the last 16 against hosts Mexico.
England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.
Congo (4-3-3): Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Ngalayel Mukau, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki; Brian Cipenga, Yoane Wissa.
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