In the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, England were on the brink of a shock exit before substitutes turned the tide. Anthony Gordon came off the bench to provide two assists, while captain Harry Kane scored a brace as England came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 and secure a hard-fought place in the Round of 16. Although the Three Lions progressed, they looked vulnerable against opponents ranked well below them, and the performance served as a wake-up call for manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of a daunting last-16 clash against hosts Mexico.
Tuchel had repeatedly warned his players not to underestimate the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were making their first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockout stages. But England paid the price just seven minutes in. Right-back Djed Spence failed to block Chancel Mbemba's cross, leaving Brian Cipenga unmarked at the far post to slot calmly past Jordan Pickford and give Congo a shock lead.
Despite dominating possession thereafter, England struggled to break down Lionel Mpasi's goal. Declan Rice delivered several quality crosses, but Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham couldn't convert, while Marcus Rashford's effort was cleared off the line by former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Just before the break, Yoane Wissa hit the post for Congo, and Kane went down in the box under contact from Mpasi – but neither the referee nor VAR awarded a penalty, much to the frustration of England fans.
After the interval, England continued to control possession but lacked a cutting edge. Tuchel made the decisive change, bringing on Gordon and Bukayo Saka to add width and directness on the flanks – a move that would prove to be the turning point.
In the 75th minute, Gordon beat his man on the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for Harry Kane, who rose above his marker to head home and finally pull England level at 1-1.
Leveling the score lifted England's spirits. Bellingham had a one-on-one saved by Mpasi, but just seconds later, Gordon was again involved in the build-up, and the ball eventually fell to Kane. The Bayern Munich striker took a touch just outside the box and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, putting England ahead 2-1 in the 86th minute.
In stoppage time, Congo pushed forward desperately. Wissa's free-kick sailed just over the bar, and England held on to secure the victory and a spot in the Round of 16.
Kane once again proved his value as a "big-game player" with two crucial goals, but it was Gordon who truly changed the game. In just over ten minutes on the pitch, the winger provided two assists, using his pace, dribbling, and precise crossing to tear open the Congolese defense and turn the match around. In contrast, starters Spence, Noni Madueke, and Rashford struggled, with the right-back position continuing to be England's most glaring weakness.
After the match, Tuchel acknowledged that his side showed patience and resilience after going behind, but admitted they must improve significantly if they are to challenge for the trophy. The defense was repeatedly exposed by Congo's counter-attacks, and had the opposition been more clinical, England might not have had the chance to stage their comeback.
Having advanced, England will now travel to Mexico City for their Round of 16 clash against hosts Mexico, who just eliminated Ecuador 2-0 and are full of confidence. The Azteca Stadium is famously a "fortress" for Mexico, and for the Three Lions – who survived this scare – the next match will be the real test of their title credentials.
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