Kane's brace lifts England past Congo to reach World Cup round of 16

England advanced to the round of 16 after a 2-1 comeback win over Congo in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday. Harry Kane netted two second-half goals, the 75th-minute header and a strike eleven minutes later, to overturn Brian Cipenga’s early goal.

"It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moment would come," Kane said after the match. "We spoke about people having hero moments. It can be anyone in the team … Whoever it is, we have hero moments, and for me it was the day."

Coach Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s determination and focus, adding that the team did not accept defeat as an option. The victory sets up a quarter-final clash with co-host Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Congo took the lead in the seventh minute, but England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kept the score close, while Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi made several saves, including denying Jude Bellingham twice before halftime. Congo coach Sébastien Desabre expressed disappointment after the loss.

The win marks England’s second World Cup victory after trailing, the first coming in the 1966 final. Kane extended his record as England’s top scorer in World Cup history to 13 goals, bringing his overall tally for the national team to 84.