Kane's World Cup rescue puts England into last 16

Harry Kane came to England’s rescue yesterday as they avoided a seismic World Cup upset against the Democratic Republic of the Congo to set up a last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico on home soil next week.

- Ed Aarons

The Bayern Munich striker scored twice in the last 15 minutes to save manager Thomas Tuchel’s blushes after Brian Cipenga had given the African side a shock early lead.

It was the first time that England have won a game at the World Cup after conceding the first goal since beating Germany in the 1966 final at Wembley.

They looked extremely disjointed during the first half in Atlanta, where an estimated 10,000 Three Lions supporters made the trip for the game that kicked off at midday local time (5pm UK). But having been denied on several occasions by the DR Congo goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, Kane finally equalised with 15 minutes remaining before smashing home the winner just before the end of normal time.

It means England will now travel to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City for their next game on Sunday. That is due to kick off at 1am on Monday UK time but Tuchel said he hoped that many children back home would be allowed to stay up and watch the game. “Write an excuse for school and let them watch football,” said the England manager.