Fifa World Cup 2026: England come from 1-0 down to win 2-1 thanks to captain Harry Kane and advance to a last-16 tie against Mexico
When England needed it to happen, Kane stepped up for his country, says former England goalkeeper Joe Hart
Can England win the World Cup? Have your say by pressing the Get Involved button
Belgium produced a sensational comeback from two goals down to defeat Senegal in a dramatic tie
They will play USA in the last 16 after the co-hosts beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 but goalscorer Folarin Balogun was sent off
Watch highlights of all games here or you can relive the action with our 3D experience
England 2-1 DR Congo
Have we talked about Kane's winner yet?
Wait, we haven't?.
Well, it's some strike. If you watch the replay Kane doesn't once look at the goal after receiving the ball he just instinctively knows where it is.
All the angles of Kane's 'rocket' strike against DR Congo
England 2-1 DR Congo
BBC 5 Live Breakfast
Former Leicester City and Denmark goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast about England's win over DR Congo: "[Harry Kane] is the main man for England, he is probably, along with Erling Highland, the best striker in the world, out and out striker. If there's one player I'd want on my team, it would be Harry Kane.
"So I wouldn't be too concerned yet. I mean I think I think England are or maybe on a slow burner a little bit. They're warming up into the competition. They, like I say, the only real concern is that right-hand side. And if they fix that, then I think they'll be all good.
"The problem for me today was a little bit, particularly on the goal. You have Madueke not tracking back, not helping him out. He needed that support, that help. And I don't know, there's different options. You can move, maybe move Konsa out, or you can move Stones.
"There is options. I think Tuchel is the kind of manager, he'll find a way, I'm pretty sure of that. The other thing you also have to take into consideration, you came up against a goalkeeper on fire. How many times do you see, a lot of those chances go in normally. So this doom and gloom, I am not quite having it because I think in a normal game two or three of them would have gone in anyway, and it would have been a lot easier victory than it ended up being."
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Lucky not to be 2 down unlucky not to score 4 We will always create chances and give them away The bigger teams will punish us I'm afraid
Philip, Dudley
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Just wanted to add as well, the word legend in my opinion, gets used too much. But in Harry Kane, this country would be lost without him, he is definitely an England legend, up there with Moore, Hirst, Banks, Lineker, Gazza and Beckham
Craig
England 2-1 DR Congo
BBC 5 Live Breakfast
Former Leicester City and Denmark goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "At this stage, it's about getting through. Was it a performance that inspired a lot of confidence? No. But when you look at every big team, every big has one big player that turns up, and England have that player.
"The concern was obviously a little bit down the right-hand side.I think that's something that they're going to need to look at. But obviously I didn't have anything on the line, but I wasn't nervous. And I understand, but I wasn't nervous for England because Harry Kane just needs one chance. He doesn't even need one, he needs half a chance.
"I mean, we were talking about the miss against Ghana. None of us could ever remember anything like that happening to Harry Kane. That's a one in a... Not even a hundred, it's a one in a thousand kind of thing, so Harry Kane is in the conversation for me now for the Ballon d'Or, he has to be."
England 2-1 DR Congo
Chris Sutton
Former England forward on BBC Radio 5 Live
I've been to Mexico for the opening game, bit of altitude, it'll be interesting to see how England cope with that.
It won't be easy for England to acclimatise. The bigger deal is Mexico's record is absolutely phenomenal . It's going to be difficult.
I actually thought with regards to the game today listening to Declan Rice I thought he summed it up pretty well, you can never underestimate the opposition. I saw DR Congo draw 1-1 against Portugal and they carry a bit of a threat. For England to win was a big deal. It's knockout football. It's about getting over the line.
The question you want to put out there tonight, where would England be without Harry Kane?
England 2-1 DR Congo
We get a variety of opinions here.
For what it's worth, the underlying numbers point to a 2-1 England win being about right.
The xG was: England 2.04 - 0.8 DR Congo
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Lucky? England were unlucky they didn't win by a much bigger margin.
Dave, Manchester
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I thought England were lucky last night, they definitely need to improve to beat Mexico. I think England will do it, but it will be a great close game
Craig, Dagenham
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Captain Fantastic saved the day - we were gone. We played an awful first half and the subs made a big difference. Team selection was wrong - especially the wide men. Well done Harry Kane!!
Kenneth, Montgomery
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Who knows with this England team? Either brilliant or terrible. Mexico will be a very difficult match with the altitude and atmosphere, can't say I'm highly confident but I am hopeful!
Marc, NI
England 2-1 DR Congo
Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
The big picture is that you are through to the next round and you are facing Mexico on Sunday evening/Monday morning, but it wasn't a good performance. I have the same concerns as I had in the other two games about us defensively. Going forward I thought it was better today.
We have spoken about the big hitters in this tournament and rightly so, and we have to bring Kane into that, his goals today were superb.
His movement for the header was brilliant and then the second goal not many centre forwards in the world can produce that piece of magic. The way he turns and swivels, the balance is incredible, then to get the direction and power into the roof of the net. Some strike.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Wait, are England underdogs?
Not according to Opta's Super Computer which says they are 53.13% likely to beat Mexico in the last 16.
They are also given a 28.98% chance of reaching the semis and a 16.94% chance of making the final.
England have an 8.39% chance of winning their second World Cup trophy.
Image source, Getty ImagesClick 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
England were extremely lucky. Had Wissa’s goal gone in, it would have been hard. Already struggling to make any impact and having to rely heavily on Kane. Mexico, will be a different challenge. Azteca will be rocking.
Jasdeep, Aylesbury
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England win was never in doubt. We will beat Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and France to lift the WC.
Jamie (delusional England fan)
England 2-1 DR Congo
Joe Hart
Former England goalkeeper on BBC One
Back to the wall, Kane is stepping up for his country. I love the aggression and fire in his face. He knows that wasn't a good performance and that he would have to dig deep.
There would have been moments in that game where he was asking himself 'Am I that guy?'. When it needed to happen he produced a header in front of goal and that last finish.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Micah Richards
Former England defender on BBC One
Thomas Tuchel has based his team around Harry Kane because he is a genuine superstar. It is about moments. Kane is the one who has stepped up when they needed him most. What a hero.
Have England ever had a better big-game player who has performed at multiple major tournaments?
I'd be interested to hear any England players more clutch than Harry Kane.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Atlanta Stadium
When head coach Tuchel – and the Football Association – needed a hero to avoid a desperate defeat, Kane proved once more that world-class players produce the big moments.
And how Kane delivered in Atlanta.
His first was a powerful header that finally beat DR Congo keeper Mpasi - the second choice for Le Havre in France - who had produced a magnificent display to that point.
Kane's second was a piece of individual brilliance that demonstrated he is the complete player, turning to escape the attentions of the DR Congo defence before thrashing a 60mph shot into the top corner.
Credit must also go to substitute Anthony Gordon, who has had a quiet World Cup but was involved in both Kane goals after coming on as a substitute.
Thanks for the message, Chris.
I can't see things getting any easier for England who play Mexico in Mexico City in their next match.
Doctors who are following, is that one likely to raise heart rates as well?
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 2 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
|
