Kane's storm saves England at the last moment, Mexico await in last 16

Trailing for almost the entire match, England finally found reasons to smile as captain Harry Kane's brace secured a 2-1 victory over DR Congo, booking the Three Lions' place in the World Cup last 16. They will face Mexico on July 6.

The match, which kicked off at 10:00 pm Bangladesh time on Wednesday, saw England suffer an early setback. In the very first minute, Bryan Sipenga scored a brilliant shot from the left side of the box, finding the bottom corner. Captain Chancel Mbemba provided the assist.

Throughout the first half, Congo dominated, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing several superhuman saves to frustrate the English attack. He denied Jude Bellingham multiple times, making a last-minute save on a headed shot and deflecting another with a brilliant reflex. Marcus Rashford's powerful shot was also blocked by a Congo defender.

Congo nearly doubled their lead late in the first half. Yoane Wissa's shot from Aaron Wan-Bissaka's pass hit the post, sparing England. Harry Kane also had a strong penalty appeal turned down, with the referee instead calling a foul against the England captain.

After the break, Mpasi continued his heroics, but eventually England broke through. In the 75th minute, Kane headed home from Anthony Gordon's cross to equalise, despite a slight touch from Mpasi.

Just 11 minutes later, in the 86th minute, Kane scored again, receiving the ball outside the box from Gordon and firing a powerful right-footed shot into the net. The brace put England firmly in control.

With his equaliser, Kane surpassed legendary Pelé in World Cup goals, now with 13 total, five of which came in this tournament.

England dominated possession and attacks but struggled with finishing for long periods. However, their experience and mental strength ultimately saw them through.

England dominated possession with 54 per cent compared to Congo's 46 per cent. England took 16 shots (8 on target), while Congo managed 7 (2 on target). England had 5 shots off target, Congo 3. Congo blocked 2 shots, England blocked 3. Mpasi made 5 saves, while England's Jordan Pickford made 1. England had 5 corners to Congo's 3. Congo committed 12 fouls to England's 9.

England's win also ended a long drought: they had not won a World Cup match after conceding first since the 1966 final against West Germany.

The result ended DR Congo's historic debut knockout campaign, but they impressed with their brave and attacking football.

England now face Mexico on July 6 for a place in the quarter-finals.