Harry Kane came to England’s rescue like so many times before as his double against DR Congo saved the Three Lions from a humiliating exit in the World Cup last 32.
Huge underdogs DR Congo had surged into an early lead thanks to Brian Cipenga’s ninth-minute goal, as he beat Jordan Pickford at the near post, and England were frustrated thereafter – with Kane denied a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
But the skipper came to the rescue as he nodded home Anthony Gordon’s cross 15 minutes from time and then thundered in an 86th-minute winner to stave off a humiliating defeat and send them into the last 16.
A mammoth clash against co-hosts Mexico in the cauldron of the Estadio Azteca now awaits Thomas Tuchel’s side, who will need a much better performance than this to advance to the quarter-finals – and will have to deal with the impact of altitude in Mexico City.
Follow all the reaction to England’s dramatic win over DR Congo below:
England vs DR Congo live updates
- England come from behind to avoid DR Congo humiliation in World Cup last 32
- Harry Kane heads home 75th-minute equaliser and fires in 86th-minute winner for a tense 2-1 win
- England face a blockbuster tie against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last 16
- REPORT: Incredible Kane justifies Tuchel decision but England have huge questions to answer
How to watch England’s next game – and every game!
06:00 , Alex Pattle
World Cup 2026 TV schedule: How to watch every knockout game live in the UK
World Cup Golden Boot standings so far
05:00 , Alex Pattle
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 6 goals, (2 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 6 goals
=3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 5 goals
=3. Harry Kane (England), 5 goals
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (2 assists)
7. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Mbappe vs Messi standings in thrilling race
Rate England’s player after narrow win over DR Congo
04:00 , Alex Pattle
World Cup power rankings as of last 32
03:00 , Alex Pattle
Here are our power rankings for the tournament, written before the first round-of-32 game.
How would you change the order before the last 16, based on the ties we’ve seen so far?
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge heading to knockouts
England’s best five penalty takers at the World Cup – and one player who probably shouldn’t take one
02:00 , Alex Pattle
England managed to avoid a shootout today, but penalties may await in later rounds.
Here, Lawrence Ostlere analyses our five best penalty takers, and one player who probablyyyy shouldn’t step up:
England’s best penalty takers at the World Cup – and one who shouldn’t step up
There's always one song that connects during a tournament
01:00 , Alex Pattle
Run it back! 🔁
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026
Wonderwall is THE anthem for England at the 2026 World Cup 😍 pic.twitter.com/GPmuXj1rMe
Hey, Jude!
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:30 , Alex Pattle
Jude Bellingham’s reaction AS IT HAPPENED 🤩 pic.twitter.com/6SgwgcfCvW
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026
Gordon, who provided two assists:
Thursday 2 July 2026 00:00 , Alex Pattle
"The togetherness has come to fruition" 🏴
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026
Anthony Gordon praises England's 'team spirit' and Harry Kane's brilliance...
🎙️ @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/5NnKGCqbwj
Rice weighs in, too
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:30 , Alex Pattle
"It doesn't get much bigger than that" 🙌
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026
Declan Rice assesses a 'tough transitional game' for England and looks ahead to a HUGE tie against Mexico...
🎙️ @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/0hngn6psLt
More from Kane!
Wednesday 1 July 2026 23:01 , Alex Pattle
"Onto Mexico..." 🔜
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 1, 2026
Harry Kane talks low blocks, Wonderwall and walks us through his two goals...
🎙️ @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/oeWqIoTYAM
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
Wednesday 1 July 2026 22:30 , Alex Pattle
With parallels to Michael Jordan and an ‘attitude’ more recognisable in American athletes, Bellingham is carving his own path as a Black football superstar and England must learn to adapt, writes Miguel Delaney.
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
Player ratings for England’s substitutes
Wednesday 1 July 2026 22:00 , Alex Pattle
Anthony Gordon (on for Marcus Rashford 60’) - 7
Delightful ball into the six-yard box for Kane’s equaliser and then provided a calm touch and pass for his teammate to make it 2-1.
Bukayo Saka (on for Noni Madueke 60’) - 6
A bit better after a sluggish start to the tournament, linked well, but still lacking that usual burst we see with Arsenal at his best.
Eberechi Eze (on for Djed Spence 70’) - 6
John Stones (on for Declan Rice 90+1’) - n/a
More England player ratings
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:40 , Alex Pattle
Declan Rice 6
Poor delivery for set-pieces at times, but he reverted to right-back and impressed in the second half with England chasing. It might be something Tuchel considers again against Mexico.
Marcus Rashford 6
Plenty of drive down the left, spins Mbemba in the second half, but should do better in front of goal. Taken off after an hour, but did at least bring a vertical option.
More here:
England player ratings vs DR Congo as Kane saves Three Lions at World Cup
England’s route to the final
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:20 , Alex Pattle
So, we know it’s Mexico next for England, but if they somehow navigate that tough tie, who awaits in the quarter-finals?
And the semi-finals? And the final?
Find out here:
What is England’s route to the World Cup final after beating DR Congo?
Who was England's player of the match?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:15 , Jack Rathborn
We were all Anthony Gordon in this moment
Wednesday 1 July 2026 21:00 , Alex Pattle
Harry Edward Kane. When we needed him most. pic.twitter.com/51WaRaRzFz
— England (@England) July 1, 2026
Maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:50 , Alex Pattle
Remember that shot of an emotional Kane after England beat Croatia, when the camera lingered on him as the fans sang “Wonderwall”?
Well, the England footy admin has had the same thought as you might have:
Because maybe, you’re going to be the one that saves me. pic.twitter.com/wke3NpX5vy
— England (@England) July 1, 2026
The winning goal
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:40 , Alex Pattle
Ridiculous. Just ridiculous.pic.twitter.com/qEKUImqxGZ
— England (@England) July 1, 2026
Kane, literally central to this England team's hopes
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:30 , Alex Pattle
Our leader ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/4Mz6FKSRvn
— England (@England) July 1, 2026
Predicting those ties
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:21 , Alex Pattle
Morocco to beat Canada
France to beat Paraguay
Brazil to beat Norway
Mexico to beat England
Just the opinions of one man, apologies!
England’s right-back farce continues to leave Thomas Tuchel with one World Cup option
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:14 , Richard Jolly
Thomas Tuchel’s prowess in knockout football helped persuade the FA to appoint him England manager. As his side stumbled then surged into the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, it is debateable if it was underlined against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tuchel may have been the catalyst for a comeback; with his substitutions, with his interventions at hydration breaks.
Yet the greatest evidence that Tuchel is the king of the knockouts was supplied by shutouts.
In 2021, his Chelsea won the Champions League when conceding just twice in their last seven games. If his England can add the greatest prize in international football, it may have to come another way.
England’s right-back farce continues to leave Tuchel with one option
World Cup last-16 ties already confirmed
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:14 , Alex Pattle
Canada v Morocco – Saturday, 6pm BST
Paraguay v France – Saturday, 10pm BST
Brazil v Norway – Sunday, 9pm BST
Mexico v England – Monday, 1am BST
Bellingham sought magic moment, but Kane provided it
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:07 , Miguel Delaney at Atlanta Stadium
Miguel:
“If the equaliser came from a team move, the winning of the game was all about one man.
“It was maybe symbolic that Bellingham had tried to produce that moment just before. He went for goal when he should have squared for Bukayo Saka, but that only saw the ball come to Kane.
“Rather than turn in or just shoot, the captain calmly took it on to drive in a fulminating effort. It was emphatic. It was leadership.”
Kane has the personality to match his quality
Wednesday 1 July 2026 20:00 , Miguel Delaney at Atlanta Stadium
More from Miguel:
“Yoane Wissa should have made it 2-0. England were lucky.
“It’s on such moments that games and occasions like this turn, at least over the course of a game.
“Tuchel still had to turn his team around. Lesser coaches might have been paralysed. Tuchel’s clear-headedness – even when he looks so energetic himself – helped swing this game.
“Eze was introduced to change the emphasis. And yet, even amid all of that, you still need moments. You still need character. You still need personality. You still need elite quality.
“Kane had all of that.”
Tuchel’s England job on the line until Kane’s 75th-minute goal?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:54 , Miguel Delaney at Atlanta Stadium
More from Miguel:
“A manager specifically appointed for his knockout record came close to losing his very first one, in a game that for 68 minutes looked set to be a humiliation worse than Iceland, arguably the country’s worst ever.
“Thomas Tuchel, for his part, then showed exactly why his knockout record is so admired. He acted, with a series of proactive subs that did turn the game.”
Incredible Kane justifies Tuchel decision but England have huge questions to answer
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:47 , Miguel Delaney at Atlanta Stadium
Harry Kane scored one of the great England goals to set up a grand World Cup occasion at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, but only after a general performance entirely unworthy of such descriptions.
Thomas Tuchel’s side got away with one against a defiant and spirited Democratic Republic of Congo, but only after Kane let fly to remind everyone exactly why this entire team is built around him.
He is central to hopes that seem to dwindle with every display that actually moves England closer to the trophy.
Kane justifies Tuchel decision but England have huge World Cup questions to answer
Kane’s thoughts on that terrifying World Cup tie
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:40 , Alex Pattle
Kane reveals message to England teammates after inspiring stunning comeback
More from Tuchel on what 'you don't need a manager to tell you'
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:35 , Alex Pattle
Tuchel: “Like I said, the whole tournament, the energy and team spirit is on the highest level, the commitment.
“I think everyone understands what part of the tournament we’re in at the moment and what it takes.
“Of course we want it easy and to have the first goal and whatever, but if you come from 1-0 down and need the last quarter of the match to be strong, these are also the experiences that give you genuine belief.
“You don’t need a manager to tell you, because you have genuine belief.”
Tuchel speaks on relieving win
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:31 , Alex Pattle
Tuchel: “If everyone gets what he likes, everyone gets an early goal then another goal. That’s how it is, you have to deal with the situation as it comes. And it was difficult as they got an early goal.
“After the first water break, there was three, four, five big chances, we had I think a penalty chance in our favour. We kept knocking, to crack that rock. Their goalkeeper made some unbelievable saves.
“They [England players] were ready to do what was necessary to win, and it was deserved.
“That’s what we expect from [Kane], I think that’s what he expects from himself – difficult matches, close matches, he’s here to decide them.”
Tuchel speaks on relieving win
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:31 , Alex Pattle
Tuchel: “If everyone gets what he likes, everyone gets an early goal then another goal. That’s how it is, you have to deal with the situation as it comes. And it was difficult as they got an early goal.
“After the first water break, there was three, four, five big chances, we had I think a penalty chance in our favour. We kept knocking, to crack that rock. Their goalkeeper made some unbelievable saves.
“They [England players] were ready to do what was necessary to win, and it was deserved.
“That’s what we expect from [Kane], I think that’s what he expects from himself – difficult matches, close matches, he’s here to decide them.”
Anderson reveals message in huddle
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:25 , Alex Pattle
Anderson: “I think we improved with the game, after the first 20 minutes I thought we were pretty good. Their keeper was amazing, so fair play.
“Enjoy it, that was the main message [in the huddle] – through to the round of 16, go and enjoy it with the fans.”
Mexico should be betting favourites against England
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:21 , Alex Pattle
Just my opinion. That is a horrible tie.
As a Mexican friend told me today: “To be honest, everyone here is saying: ‘Bring England, bring France, bring whoever you want.’”
Slightlyyyyy scary, I won’t lie.
More from Harry Kane
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:17 , Alex Pattle
“Still things to work on. These rounds are about going through. This one and the next one, the next one, away in Mexico – against Mexico – we have to grind wins out.
“I told the boys to enjoy [full time]; sometimes as an England player, games you’re expected to win, you don’t celebrate as you should.
“We’re the same as every other nation, we’re through, but enjoy it – we’re at the World Cup.
“We’re fighting for every moment and little margin. I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy the moment with the fans, and we go again in four days.
“We spoke after the Croatia game, the subs making an impact, keeping the level higher. Over 90 minutes we’re tough to handle. Pleased for everyone involved, let’s keep it going.”
Harry Kane on the 'hero moments' England need
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:14 , Alex Pattle
Kane: “It feel amazing to be honest, what a crazy game against a tough team, organised team.
“After that first hydration break, I thought we upped the level. Their keeper made some amazing saves.
“It was about... keep pounding the rock. Just keep pounding the rock.
“We spoke about how you can have hero moments, it can be any one of us. It could be Pickers [Pickford] making a save. For me, it was today.
“When you get to knockout football, the pressure is higher, the risk is higher.
“From an attacking point of view, it was probably our best game of the tournament so far.
“It’s just about getting through; this one and the next one are difficult for different reasons.”
Player ratings as England come from behind to survive Congo test
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:11 , Alex Pattle
Djed Spence 5
Sucked in by Chancel Mbemba’s floated ball and failed to make contact, even if he had to cover to make up for his fellow defenders shuffling over too much, but then he struggled with Cipenga one-on-one in a tough afternoon’s work.
Jude Bellingham 8
Passionate and irritated by his team’s start, he covered plenty of ground and almost equalised twice with powerful headers. Once again, he drove England on in the second half, with his control and power leading to a good Mpasi-Nzau save before Kane picked up the pieces, via Anthony Gordon, to give England the lead.
More here:
England player ratings vs DR Congo as Kane saves Three Lions at World Cup
Who do England play next?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:10 , Alex Pattle
Next up for England is Mexico at the Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico have almost never lost – nothing to worry about, then...
They are a dangerous team most of the time, anyway.
That genuinely could be the end of the road for England, but for now, enjoy this victory! It was very hard fought.
England vs Mexico will take place at 1am BST on Monday.
Full time: England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:06 , Alex Pattle
7 mins: Cipenga scores.
75 mins: Kane scores.
86 mins: Kane scores again.
That was a horrible experience. Please not again, England.
Full time: England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:03 , Alex Pattle
FULL TIME! England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:01 , Alex Pattle
IT’S OVER, ENGLAND SURVIVE.
That was... I don’t even have the words. It was a test for us watching, mentally, and it was a test for England, physically.
Credit to Congo, but England are through – just – to the last 16.
Harry Kane at the double, and Mexico await... in Mexico City...
England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 19:00 , Alex Pattle
90+6 mins: Wissa will take it.
It’s over the bar! But not by much!
England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:59 , Alex Pattle
90+6 mins: Wissa has a bit of time on the ball outside the England box, and Bellingham barrels into the back of him, giving Congo a free kick.
That could have been a second yellow card for Bellingham, by the way.
Dangerous position here, anyway. And we’re at the end of the 96 minutes.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:58 , Alex Pattle
90+5 mins: Anderson tries to keep the ball by the corner flag in the Congo half, but he knocks it out for a throw-in.
Congo work it over to the right, then back to the left. England are maintaining a decent shape for now.
A long ball is pumped up to Elia, but England deal with it.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:56 , Alex Pattle
90+4 mins: There are a couple of heavy challenges from Konsa and Guehi, the latter of whom makes his in the box, but it’s actually Guehi who wins a free kick. He was kicked as he went to make his tackle, to be fair.
SUB! England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:54 , Alex Pattle
90+2: Rice is cramping up... He’ll be replaced by Stones now.
SUBS! England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:53 , Alex Pattle
90 mins: Another couple of Congo substitutions as they seek an equaliser: Masuaku off for Joris Kayembe, and Moutoussamy off for Mayele.
Meanwhile, Kane seeks another goal. He blasts a shot over from a long way out.
Six minutes’ added time to come.
England 2-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:51 , Alex Pattle
88 mins: That goal came from Bellingham’s blocked shot; the loose ball broke to Gordon, who laid it off to Kane on the edge of the box, and although the angle seemed tight, Kane had a go anyway – and this man can score from ANYWHERE, as we know.
That’s exactly what he does. He rifles it into the top corner.
He might have saved England again.
GOAL! England 2-1 DR Congo (Kane, 86')
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:49 , Alex Pattle
86 mins: OH, MY WORD!!!
England get the ball to Kane on the edge of the Congo box, and he SMASHES it into the near top corner!!
ENGLAND LEAD AT LAST.
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:49 , Alex Pattle
86 mins: Congo come forward again, and Elia has a go from out on the left corner of the England box... but it’s a tame effort along the turf, and Pickford drops to his knees to hold it.
England drive forward now, where Bellingham has another go – saved.
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:48 , Alex Pattle
85 mins: Wonderful run by Saka, who weaves between a trio of Congo players before offloading the ball.
England work it to the left, then backwards.
Bellingham eventually fires a ball into the box, where O’Reilly is staying very high at the moment. No joy.
Now Anderson whips in a VERY fierce cross, but it’s too much for Gordon. Mpasi collects the loose ball after it cannons off the Barca player’s head.
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:46 , Alex Pattle
83 mins: This time it’s a Saka cross that’s cleared by Congo, who now come forward themselves.
England are not out of the woods yet, people.
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:45 , Alex Pattle
82 mins: Really nice, mazy footwork from Bellingham, who then slides a low cross into the six-yard box, but it’s cleared before O’Reilly can figure out his own feet.
SUBS! England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:44 , Alex Pattle
80 mins: DR Congo have made two more changes, by the way: goalscorer Cipenga and Mukau are off, with Bongonda and Kayembe on.
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:42 , Alex Pattle
79 mins: It’s all England at the moment. Anderson has a go from long range, after a lay-off from Kane, who’s run into a cul-de-sac.
Anderson’s shot drifts over the bar.
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:41 , Alex Pattle
England 1-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:39 , Alex Pattle
Great movement by Kane, who drifted forward to get on the end of that flicked cross from Gordon. What followed was a little jump and a header nodded towards the bottom corner. Mpasi got a glove on it, but it wasn’t enough.
Wow, wow, wow. I actually felt the relief surge through my body there.
GOAL! England 1-1 DR Congo (Kane, 75')
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:38 , Alex Pattle
74 mins: Bellingham’s cross goes out for a throw-in. Some boos from the crowd.
Back on the ball, Saka and Eze combine, then Rice clips a cross over to Gordon.
Gordon flicks one in, and KANE BEATS MPASI AT LAST!!! HEADED GOAL FOR THE EQUALISER!
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:36 , Alex Pattle
73 mins: Wan-Bissaka leaps with Gordon and beats him to a header. England corner!
It’s cleared, and Eze is hauled to the ground by Cipenga. Free kick to England.
SUB! England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:33 , Alex Pattle
71 mins: As we resume play, Eze replaces Spence for England.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:33 , Alex Pattle
You might be asking yourself when England last came from behind to win a World Cup knockout game.
Anyone heard about the 1966 final..?
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:31 , Alex Pattle
68 mins: Hydration break.
England are rapidly running out of time to rescue themselves.
We are around 20 minutes from one of the bleakest days in their footballing history.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:29 , Alex Pattle
66 mins: Congo deal with a Spence cross. Next, they deal with a Gordon cross.
Saka runs towards the edge of the box and sees his shot blocked.
Spence with a low cross this time; it’s blocked.
England are trying, but it’s hard to see where the goal would come from.
SUB! England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:27 , Alex Pattle
65 mins: Elia replaces Mbuku for Congo.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:26 , Alex Pattle
64 mins: O’Reilly blocks a cross, and it’s out for a corner. Congo are NOT protecting their lead; they’re playing for another goal.
OH! They nearly have one!! Mbuku has a go from a longggg way out, looking to curl the ball into the top corner, and Anderson heads it out for another corner! Jeez...
England try to break through Saka after this set-piece, but they end up with a throw-in.
SUBS! England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:24 , Alex Pattle
61 mins: Congo probe, with Cipenga looking energised and dangerous. Eventually their move comes to nothing, thankfully for England.
Two changes by Tuchel now: Rashford and Madueke off, Gordon and Saka on. Two straight swaps on the wings.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:23 , Alex Pattle
60 mins: At half-time, assistant coach Anthony Barry told the BBC it wasn’t the time to panic. But England aren’t looking urgent enough, either.
The ball bounces free to Kane in the middle of the Congo half, and he pistons forward a pass. It’s deflected safely to Mpasi.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:21 , Alex Pattle
58 mins: Rashford fires a cross over the bar. England’s deliveries have been so hit and miss tonight.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:19 , Alex Pattle
56 mins: Spence is outnumbered and eventually outmuscled by Masuaku, who wins a goal kick.
England changes are needed, now.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:17 , Alex Pattle
53 mins: DOUBLE-SAVE!
Bellingham has a shot from a similar angle to his one a moment ago, but this time it’s Mpasi to the rescue for Congo AGAIN.
He paws the ball away from the top corner, and it almost drops over the line, but he clears it!
He was almost kicked in the head by a teammate as he did!
Madueke soon sends a cross well out of play.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:15 , Alex Pattle
52 mins: Congo break, and Guehi blocks a low diagonal ball with his face! It might have put England in real danger if it had made its way past the centre back!
Now England counter, and Bellingham is fed through in a decent position... similar to Cipenga’s for the Congo goal...
And Bellingham strikes the side netting! Missed chance... Wow.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:14 , Alex Pattle
51 mins: Rice sends a corner deep, and Masuaku is needed to flick a header away at the back post, denying Bellingham a shot at it.
Another corner, but the whistle goes and there will be a re-take. There was some pushing and shoving between Kane and Mbemba.
It’s a poor delivery from Rice, not his first today.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:11 , Alex Pattle
49 mins: Better from Madueke, who whips in a cross with decent shape, but no one is there to receive it.
Soon thereafter, Anderson tries to slide a ball in for Bellingham near the byline, but it’s overhit. Goal kick.
Madueke is limping now...
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:10 , Alex Pattle
46 mins: There’s a good Congo move down the right wing, with a two-on-one overwhelming O’Reilly, but Anderson mops up the cutback...
Now England attack on their own right flank, but Madueke is tackled as he tries to beat his man. Throw-in.
BACK UNDER WAY! England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:08 , Alex Pattle
Bellingham is seen talking to the referee, presumably about England’s non-penalty.
46 mins: Aaaaand we’re back under way. Corr, this is going to be nervy.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:06 , Alex Pattle
It looks like there will be no England substitutions for now.
WATCH: Penalty or not?
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:03 , Luke Baker
Here’s that Kane non-penalty incident. We’ve heard what the pundits make of the decision - what do you think?
Frustration for England😡
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 1, 2026
England were left in disbelief after being denied a penalty from this challenge on Harry Kane by Lionel Mpasi. pic.twitter.com/VdLXwn4Fjl
Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney’s thoughts
Wednesday 1 July 2026 18:01 , Alex Pattle
Wayne Rooney: “It was poor and I don’t think there was any energy about them.”
Micah Richards: “I don’t know what they’re trying to do. It’s so easy for DR Congo to play through the lines. It’s really frustrating watching England play like this, they’ve got so much more.
“It’s like they’ve turned up, expecting to win the game. For the goal, everything is too easy.”
Rooney: “I just think [we’re] trying to do too much, but you need intensity, get up the pitch.”
On the goal, Rooney says: “We’re pushed back into a low block. Guehi and Konsa, really poor judgement, they go way too far, beyond the post. Djed has to come over and cover.
“So many elements in this play where England were off it. They go too early, too soon, too far, it gives Djed Spence no option but to cover.
“He got a bit of stick, but he has to come over and cover the space.”
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:55 , Alex Pattle
Take nothing away from DR Congo, they have been fantastic.
Mpasi, in goal, has been particularly crucial.
In that regard, England obviously have been knocking, with two or three really good chances. They also could have had a penalty.
But Tuchel’s team look haphazard defensively again, and they were lucky not to concede a second when Wissa hit the post.
HALF-TIME: England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:54 , Alex Pattle
Buckle up, people. England have 45 minutes to spare themselves one of the most-humiliating defeats in their footballing history.
And Thomas Tuchel might just have 45 minutes to save his job.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:51 , Alex Pattle
45+6 mins: Bellingham wins a corner then motions to the crowd to give England some noise.
Rice will take it.
He picks out Kane at the back post... on the volley...
SAVED!! Mpasi keeps the ball out AGAIN.
Is it just one of those days?
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:49 , Alex Pattle
45+3 mins: Madueke gets past his first man but not the second.
England are moving it far too slowly. There weren’t too many DR Congo players defending then, perhaps a bit too tired to track back, but England were similarly lethargic.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:47 , Alex Pattle
45 mins: Six minutes of added time to come.
Rashford and O’Reilly combine on the left, winning a throw-in.
It’s worked back to Rice, then across to Madueke, who plays in a BRILLIANT cross!
Bellingham gets something on it at point-blank range, but Mpasi flicks it away!!
Wow wow wow.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:44 , Alex Pattle
44 mins: PENALTY?!?!
Kane gets onto a ball in the box, and he’s taken out by the goalkeeper!
Decision?
No penalty! A dive is given!!
There’s a VAR check anyway... NO PENALTY.
Tuchel is furious.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:43 , Alex Pattle
43 mins: POST!!!
What a cross from Wan-Bissaka, clipping the ball low to the near post, where Wissa’s close-range shot hits the outside of the post!
So, so close to 2-0.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:42 , Alex Pattle
42 mins: Now England think they have a corner, after a good run by Spence, but his own deflected cross hits him on the way out of play. Goal kick.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:41 , Alex Pattle
41 mins: DR Congo are probing, with England completely incapable of clearing the ball properly. Failed attempt after failed attempt.
Eventually a deflected cross earns Congo a corner.
It’s headed outwards to the edge of the box, where Madueke nods it even further out. Congo hold the ball for now.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:39 , Alex Pattle
39 mins: Rashford surges up the line on the left flank, and he knocks the ball out for a goal kick, but he’s brought down by Mukau at the same time. He gets a bit lucky, as it’s an England free kick.
Rice with a dismal effort, which doesn’t beat the first man.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:36 , Alex Pattle
36 mins: Rashford picks out Kane with a lofted ball, and the captain tries to get it under control in the box, but he’s denied by Tuanzebe!
England keep ahold of possession, and the ball finds its way to Rashford, whose shot is cleared off the line by Wan-Bissaka!
Better from England!
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:33 , Alex Pattle
33 mins: Cipenga runs rings around Spence and clips in a cross that has England looking nervous.
They just about clear it, with Kane helping out, but Rice soon loses the ball outside the area.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:30 , Alex Pattle
30 mins: GOOD SAVE!
Rice curls a ball into the box, where Bellingham rises well for a header, and he directs it back across goal...
But Mpasi is alert and palms it away!
England are knocking on the door, at least.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:29 , Alex Pattle
29 mins: Spence surges up the line and nutmegs Masuaku, drawing a foul immediately thereafter.
Rice’s free kick from out on the right bounces just in front of Konsa, who knows nothing about it, and it ricochets wide of the goal!
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:27 , Alex Pattle
28 mins: The ball is sprayed diagonally to Madueke, who brings it down with a lovely touch and looks to dart into the box.
He’s dispossessed and goes down, wanting a penalty, but none is given.
Masuaku did give him a bit of a hand to the face.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:26 , Alex Pattle
Joe Hart: “DR Congo have no fear of this England team.”
Alan Shearer: “They’ve been too slow, they’ve been punished, not good enough.
“They’ve had one good half in four games, it’s too bitty in other games. Yes, we might have got results, but in that first quarter, if you like, it’s nowhere near good enough.”
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:25 , Alex Pattle
24 mins: There are boos for the hydration break, but possibly also for England.
Tuchel is dishing out instructions, but he and Bellingham appear to get a littttttle heated in their exchange. Bellingham looks frustrated as he motions to the pitch.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:23 , Alex Pattle
22 mins: England are trying to get ahold of this game, but this time it’s Rashford who commits a foul.
He tracks back and gets away with a sliding challenge on Wan-Bissaka, but the follow-up on Mbuku draws the whistle. No card, though.
Not long thereafter, Bellingham clips a pass out of play for a throw, while trying to get things moving on the left wing.
England look awful, ladies and gentlemen. Brace yourselves for the worst.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:21 , Alex Pattle
20 mins: Wow, a reallll mix-up between O’Reilly and Konsa in their own box!
They are both standing over the ball while the nearest attacker is on the floor, next to it. Neither of them clears it, so Spence comes to the rescue – but in far from convincing fashion.
England are at sixes and sevens.
Now Bellingham is booked for a rash challenge on Mbuku in the ensuing, chaotic phase of play.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:18 , Alex Pattle
Another look at the defining scene so far, Cipenga’s goal for DR Congo...
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:16 , Alex Pattle
16 mins: Another poor, poor delivery by England. Bellingham pokes one with the outside of his foot, and it curves outwards and through the Congo box... and out for a goal kick.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:15 , Alex Pattle
15 mins: Good footwork from Madueke, who twists and turns before clipping a ball across the box. It floats too deep, but Rashford collects it and supplies it to Rice.
Rice’s low effort forces a corner, which he will take, too.
It goes out for a goal kick, past the far post...
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:13 , Alex Pattle
13 mins: The England fans are still making noise and playing music. Can the players match their intensity?
A decent spell of possession by Tuchel’s side now, but nothing incisive yet.
England 0-1 DR Congo
Wednesday 1 July 2026 17:12 , Alex Pattle
11 mins: There’s a brief pause in play, as Mpasi is checked after clashing into his own defender and coming off worse.
Back under way. How do England respond?
Pickford should have done better there, but Spence was also drawn in by the wrong player, you might say, leaving Cipenga in acres of space.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
