Harry Kane’s late double rescued England and sent them into the World Cup last 16 to face co-hosts Mexico as the country let out a huge sigh of relief.
Brian Cipenga handed Thomas Tuchel’s side the worst possible start in Atlanta, firing in his first ever international goal at Jordan Pickford’s near post to stun England after just seven minutes.
Kane was adamant he should have had a penalty towards the end of the first half but the Jordanian referee waved away his claims after the England captain appeared to be brought down by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
And with England’s dreams fading fast, it was their all-time record goalscorer who saved them yet again – heading in from Anthony Gordon’s cross with 15 mins to go, then powering home a brilliant effort with four minutes of regular time left to spark pandemonium.
It wasn’t England’s best display by any means, and there will be plenty to work on ahead of facing Mexico in the early hours of Monday at the fearsome Azteca Stadium, the scene of the Hand of God goal by Diego Maradona 40 years ago.
Daily Mail Sport‘s Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at the Atlanta Stadium to give his verdict on the England players, and you can make your judgments too with our new ratings tool.
It was Harry Kane – again – who rescued England from the jaws of defeat with a spectacular double in Atlanta
Kane was mobbed by his team-mates after scoring his 12th and 13th World Cup goals to move past Pele in the all-time list
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 4/10
The Congo opener was a clean strike but Pickford should do better. He got a hand to it but was beaten in one area keepers should have covered – near post. Only one save to make after that and he still does not look his usual self.
Djed Spence – 5
Some sympathy for the Congo goal because England’s centre backs went AWOL and he was exposed. He got forward much better this time but still incurred Tuchel’s wrath on a few occasions. England need better at right back if they’re to stay in this tournament.
Ezri Konsa – 4
Dragged out of position for the Congo goal and later lost Yoane Wissa when the Newcastle striker hit a post from close range. He lost all composure and it showed during a nervy spell in the first half when England’s defence was all at sea. Recovered after half-time.
Ezri Konsa (left) lost Yoane Wissa for a cross in the first half and the Newcastle striker should have done much better
Marc Guehi – 5
Like Konsa he was too quick to vacate his position and leave space for the opener. He looked anxious and concerns remain about the centre-back pairing, even if they settled as the game went on and got to grips with Congo’s threat.
Nico O’Reilly – 5
Often stepped into midfield and did nothing wrong, but what did he do right? Just not enough evidence of the quality he has shown in the same areas at club level. Still, he’s England’s best bet at left back, and just needs to show more belief and conviction to make things happen.
Elliot Anderson – 7
He tried in the first half, getting on the ball, picking passes, covering ground, but just could not get his team going. That changed in the second half and he was better when Declan Rice went to right back. His pass freed Jude Bellingham in the build-up to the second goal. Never hid – he was a leader in the final half-hour.
Declan Rice – 6
Dreadful deliveries from set-pieces in the first half but his open-play ball for one Bellingham chance was superb. Questions remain about his midfield influence – he did not protect the defence when needed – and he was stronger and more composed at right back. That should be where he stays with more creativity in the middle.
Rice was spotted with ice on his left hamstring after coming off in the 91st minute
Noni Madueke – 5
He sees so much of the ball, beats his man and creates chances… and yet, no goals or assists. Again. There is a maddening lack of quality at key moments. Was also guilty of not tracking back for the Congo goal.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Looked like being the man to rescue England in the first half when ghosting onto free headers – he was unlucky to come up against an inspired keeper. But he was not the same in the second half and it needed Kane to take his superhero’s cape. Still got into good areas though and played his part in the comeback.
Marcus Rashford – 3
An hour to forget. Loose touches, no resistance in defence, body language all wrong. He had one effort cleared off line but no quality apart from that. Where was the energy? Hooked when one misplaced cross drew boos from crowd. He’s better than this.
Harry Kane (captain) – 9
Sensational. Without him, England are going home. The equaliser dragged the team off the canvas and he wasn’t done there. We thought Bellingham was the ultimate moments player but Kane’s winner was a captain’s goal in their moment of need. Unlucky not to win a penalty but used that injustice to keep England alive.
Kane fires in his 72nd goal of the season for club and country to put England in front late on
SUBSTITUTES
Bukayo Saka (on for Noni Madueke, 61min) – 6
His first touch bounced off him and out of play but he improved and his threat forced Congo to retreat.
Anthony Gordon (on for Marcus Rashford, 61min) – 8
Two assists for Kane is exactly what he was brought on to do – supersub. So much better than what he’d shown at this World Cup so far.
Eberechi Eze (on for Djed Spence, 70min) – 6
England scored both goals with him on the pitch and for that he deserves credit.
John Stones (on for Declan Rice, 92min) – 5
Came on for a tired Rice in the dying moments.
Anthony Gordon changed the game when he came on, setting up both of Kane’s goals
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 7
Bringing on Gordon and Saka helped change the game and that’s what managers should do. So credit to him. But this was another worrying display on the whole. Huge improvement needed.
DR Congo (4-3-3)
Mpasi 7; Wan-Bissaka 7, Tuanzebe 7, Mbemba 7, Masuaku 7 (J Kayemebe 89min); Mukau 6 (E Kayembe 76), Moutoussamy 6 (Mayele 89), Sadiki 7; Mbuku 6 (Elia 64, 5), Wissa 7, Cipenga 8 (Bongonda 76). Booked: Sadiki. Scorer: Cipenga 7.
Manager: Sebastien Desabre – 7
Referee
Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan) – 5
Brave call not to give Kane first-half penalty – but you can just about see why he made decision he did. Seemed a little too jumpy and would be surprised if he goes further in competition.
