Captain Harry Kane rescued England from the brink of a World Cup exit, scoring a dramatic late brace to secure a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 at Atlanta Stadium.
The victory keeps the Three Lions' tournament alive and marks the first time in England's history that they have won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time. Thomas Tuchel's side now advances to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to face tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday.
DR Congo, making their first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout phase, stunned the favorites just seven minutes into the match. Winger Brian Cipenga capitalised on a deep cross from Chancel Mbemba, slotting a low strike past Jordan Pickford to claim his first international goal.
England struggled heavily for fluency against a physical Congolese defensive block. Incapable of breaking through in the first half, England's frustration grew as DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made a series of spectacular saves to deny Jude Bellingham and Kane before the interval.
The tactical dynamic shifted dramatically in the 60th minute when Tuchel introduced substitute winger Anthony Gordon. Gordon injected vital pace into the attack, unlocking the Congolese defense in the 75th minute with a chipped cross that Kane ruthlessly headed home to level the score.
Four minutes before full-time, the pair connected again. Gordon picked out Kane at the edge of the penalty box, where the skipper spun away from his marker and unleashed an unstoppable rocket into the top corner.