England edges DR Congo 2-1 after Kane's brace, advances to face Mexico

England narrowly avoided a shock World Cup exit, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The win propels England into the Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in a bid to reach the quarterfinals.

England found themselves trailing early in the match, conceding a goal just seven minutes in. The team, which has not won a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup, appeared to be heading for an early departure. However, Kane, who previously formed a formidable partnership with Son Heung-min at Tottenham, emerged as the decisive figure in the latter stages of the game.

Kane netted the equalizer in the 75th minute and then scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, completing his brace and securing England's progression. This multi-goal performance marks the first time an England player has scored two goals in a World Cup knockout match since Gary Lineker in 1990.

The Bayern Munich striker now has five goals in the tournament, placing him one goal behind joint top scorers Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, and level with Erling Haaland. "We have moments where we are heroes, and today it was me," Kane said in a post-match interview with the BBC, reflecting on his crucial contribution. England will now prepare to face Mexico in their next match.

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We have moments where we are heroes, and today it was me.