Harry Kane needed just eleven second-half minutes to turn near-disaster into deliverance. England trailed at the break in front of a raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd in Atlanta, but their captain scored twice — in the 75th and 86th minutes — to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1, according to ESPN's match report.
The trouble started almost immediately. Seven minutes in, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba lofted a ball beyond a stranded Djed Spence, and Brian Cipenga raced onto it, beating goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post to spark wild scenes on the Congolese bench. Spence was the third different player England had started at right-back in four matches — a reflection of the injury problems that have plagued the position with Reece James sidelined, as Sky Sports detailed in its player ratings. For a nation returning to the tournament for the first time since 1974 — when it competed as Zaire — the early lead was a stunning statement.
