England secured their spot in the round of 16 after defeating the DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
The Democratic Republic of Congo took the early lead, scoring from a low shot by Brian Cipenga in the 7th minute. England struggled initially to respond, and players including Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane missed promising opportunities or were denied by the highly responsive Congolese goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau. Yoane Wissa nearly found the equalizer just before halftime, striking the post in the 42nd minute instead.
After the break, the Three Lions began to gain control, pushing the Congolese side deep into their own half. Despite numerous attempts and crosses, England still lacked the necessary precision or Mpasi-Nzau remained dominant.
The long-awaited equalizer finally arrived in the 75th minute. Following a cross from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane managed to break through in the box and headed home to make the score 1-1.
Just eleven minutes later, England definitively reversed the match’s outcome. After Mpasi-Nzau initially saved a shot from Bellingham, Gordon delivered the ball to Kane, who scored the winner in the 86th minute, making the final score 2-1. England will now face Mexico in the round of 16.
