Kane scores late winner as England overcome DR Congo to reach last 16
England were just 15 minutes away from one of the most humiliating moments in their World Cup history until Harry Kane's late goals secured a victory over DR Congo, advancing them to face Mexico in the last 16 stage.
Kane scored twice to rescue both England and head coach Thomas Tuchel, whose position could have been jeopardized by a result comparable to the last-16 defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016 or the loss to the United States at the 1950 World Cup, both regarded as national embarrassments.
With this win, England's World Cup ambitions continue as they prepare to face Mexico in Mexico City, playing at the iconic Azteca Stadium amid a nation passionate about football.
However, England's victory did not mask the recurring issues exposed throughout the campaign, including evident flaws in selection and performance.
Genuine superstar Kane produces his biggest England moment
Why did England struggle against DR Congo - and what can they learn?
Can Tuchel always rely on Kane and Bellingham?
England head coach Thomas Tuchel faces multiple challenges before the last-16 match against Mexico in Mexico City.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England's standout performers at this World Cup, contributing crucial goals and world-class leadership.
Both players scored in Group L victories against Croatia and Panama and were England's key figures against DR Congo.
It would benefit England and Tuchel if other players could contribute more consistently. While Kane and Bellingham have been exceptional, there will come a time when they cannot compensate for underperforming teammates and the head coach.
Anthony Gordon made a significant impact off the bench, contributing to both goals against DR Congo, but Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke had frustrating performances. Tuchel remains cautious with Bukayo Saka due to an Achilles issue.
Kane and Bellingham have embraced leadership roles, but it is increasingly important for others to share the responsibility during this World Cup.
Does Tuchel know his best team?
If Tuchel has identified his best team, he has not demonstrated it clearly, as frequent changes on the flanks and in defense suggest uncertainty.
The right-back position has become problematic, affected by injuries and form issues.
Declan Rice, a key midfielder known for his high-class performances, ended the match against DR Congo playing at right-back, highlighting confusion in selection.
Tuchel has faced self-inflicted challenges by selecting two players with injury histories, Tino Livramento and Reece James. Livramento did not make the World Cup squad, and James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Jarell Quansah, a natural central defender for Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, played right-back against Panama but was injured and missed the DR Congo match, where Djed Spence started at right-back for 70 minutes.
Former England captain Alan Shearer commented after the DR Congo win:
"Defensively there were far too many holes in the back four, and when we did give chances away, they scored from their first one, should have scored with the Yoane Wissa one. Putting Declan Rice to right-back worked because he was the one that got forward and played a part in the second goal, so Tuchel has a decision to make. If you asked me before the game I would have been very reluctant, but he can add a little bit of quality where we have lacked with the players we have picked up to now."
However, Rice offers too much value in midfield, making right-back an unsuitable position for him. If he is deployed there again, it would imply Tuchel misjudged his squad selection.
Ex-England defender Micah Richards stated:
"No, I wouldn't. I feel he can give too much in that central midfield area. If you're going into the Mexico game, which is going to be at altitude, you need his energy in midfield. I would go with Ezri Konsa at right-back, and put John Stones alongside Marc Guehi. That is a better balance for the team."
John Stones was omitted after starting in the win against Croatia. His experience could prove valuable at the Azteca Stadium, especially after Konsa and Guehi were out of position for Brian Cipenga's goal.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney added:
"For me, there are big concerns. In particular, when England lose the ball they are so open. Against a better team, I think we're in big trouble if we don't sort that out. We're so open in midfield."
The constant changes on the flanks further indicate that Tuchel still has significant questions regarding his preferred starting lineup.
England still lack creation
There has been ongoing debate about Tuchel's decision to exclude natural creators such as Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Manchester City's Phil Foden from the World Cup squad.
While both players had underwhelming club seasons, Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who were also overlooked, had arguably stronger cases.
England have lacked creative spark, particularly evident in the goalless draw against Ghana.
Brentford's Jordan Henderson, now 36, is expected to be used only as a substitute. This raises the question of whether his spot would have been better allocated to Gibbs-White, Scott, Palmer, or Foden.
Foden was deployed as a false nine in the Wembley loss to Japan, but the experiment failed, effectively ending his World Cup participation.
Should England advance further, they will require moments of individual brilliance. As previously noted, relying solely on Kane and Bellingham is neither feasible nor advisable.
Has anyone seen Toney and Watkins?
Before the World Cup, a major concern for England was how they would cope if captain Kane became unavailable.
Tuchel experimented with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan but remained unconvinced.
He subsequently selected Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, following a strong season finish, and Ivan Toney, who plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli.
Toney was a surprising inclusion, having not featured for England in over a year since a brief substitute appearance in a friendly loss to Senegal in June 2025, yet was suddenly included in the World Cup squad.
Fortunately, Kane remains fit and in excellent form, but it is unclear if Tuchel fully trusts Watkins and Toney.
In England's four matches so far, Toney has not played, while Watkins has only appeared for six minutes as a substitute for Kane in the victory over Panama.
When England needed a goal in the draw against Ghana, neither Toney nor Watkins was introduced; instead, Tuchel brought on Saka, Rashford, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers.
Similarly, when chasing the game against DR Congo, both forwards remained on the bench. Tuchel mentioned he had a specific time in mind for their introduction, which, given Kane's winner came four minutes from time, was presumably very late.
Tuchel will likely continue to hope Kane remains fit, especially with Toney and Watkins yet to be utilized.
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