Harry Kane saves England as Three Lions survive DR Congo scare

Half a century without reaching a World Cup had already been too long. Qualifying again felt like a miracle. Advancing to the quarterfinals seemed impossible. Yet Cipenga’s early goal gave DR Congo genuine hope and stunned England.

The Africans, showing extraordinary resilience, frustrated one of the tournament favorites thanks to a heroic performance from Lionel Mpasi in goal. It was a match for the ages, one that ensured the underdogs left their mark on World Cup history before Harry Kane finally took control. It took England’s captain just 15 minutes to rescue his team with two goals. He doesn’t need many chances. There’s a reason he’s one of the greatest strikers England has ever produced.

Thomas Tuchel went all in. With Jude Bellingham pulling the strings in midfield as the team’s undisputed engine, Marcus Rashford got the nod over Anthony Gordon on the left wing, putting that selection debate to rest. The weak spot, however, was at the back. With no healthy fullbacks available, the German coach was forced to improvise. It was a case of desperate times calling for desperate measures, and for England, the gamble failed.

A historic shock for England

England’s confidence disappeared almost immediately.

The opening minutes had though been somewhat encouraging, with the Three Lions pushing forward, trying to exploit spaces between the lines and sending tentative crosses into the box. But this World Cup has punished every lapse in concentration, and the Leopards proved quicker than the Lions.

With their first real attack, DR Congo stunned the favorites with a perfectly executed move. Chancel Mbemba launched a long ball from midfield, Yoane Wissa flicked it on after drawing Spence out of position, and Cipenga raced into the open space before beating Jordan Pickford at his near post with help from a costly mistake by the England goalkeeper.

As head coach Sébastien Desabre had warned beforehand, his team had nothing to lose, so why not attack? It was another surprise in a tournament full of them.

From there, DR Congo settled into a determined defensive effort.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, born in England but representing DR Congo, cleared Rashford’s equalizer off the goal line. England had never come from behind to win a World Cup knockout match. They were battling history, nerves, and an inspired opponent..

The true hero, though, was Mpasi. Like his namesake Lionel Messi, he showed brilliance in his own position, producing one outstanding save after another to deny stars such as Bellingham and Kane. Between England attacks, DR Congo continued to threaten on the counter. They defended bravely but never stopped looking for another goal. Wissa somehow missed from point-blank range what could have been the decisive second goal. It was a miss they would soon regret.

No miracle for DR Congo

This World Cup has at times belonged to the underdogs. Smaller nations toppling giants. Mpasi tormenting Bellingham.

England’s attack revolved around its No. 10, who created nearly everything. He even slipped Rashford through for what looked like the equalizer, only for Mpasi to produce yet another save. Frustrated, Bellingham repeatedly tried his luck from distance with the same result. Lionel Mpasi, like Messi, has now carved out his own place in World Cup history, joining legendary goalkeeping performances from Gill, Vozinha and Kidiaba.

Tuchel substitions save England

Just after the hour mark, Tuchel changed the game with a double substitution, bringing on Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon for Rashford and Noni Madueke.

The move worked immediately.

Barcelona’s new signing Gordon finally made the impact England had been waiting for. With just his third touch, he delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Kane to break through the Congolese wall.

When England needed him most, their captain delivered.

Just minutes before stoppage time, Kane completed the comeback with his second goal, sparing England a humiliating elimination. In doing so, he moved past Pelé in the all-time World Cup scoring charts and drew level with Gerd Müller, “Der Bomber.”

Next up is Mexico in the quarterfinals at the Azteca.

There could hardly be a better stage for Kane to write another chapter in his remarkable story.

God save the King.

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