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It looked like a routine fixture on paper, but as England found out, there are no easy games at this World Cup. DR Congo put up a strong fight throughout, testing the Three Lions’ resolve.

Given England’s recurring issues against teams that sit deep, it was always going to be an intriguing battle — and so it proved.

After falling behind early, England needed to show character. Brian Cipenga stunned the Atlanta Stadium crowd by giving DR Congo a seventh-minute lead, firing past Jordan Pickford at his near post with his first international goal. England were on the back foot, and questions were being asked of their defence.

Thirteen minutes in, England finally started to settle. Nico O'Reilly linked up with Jude Bellingham, helping the side gain some control against a well-organised Congolese defence. Despite 54% possession in the opening 15 minutes, England had no shots on target, while Cipenga’s goal remained the only effort of the match.

Jude Bellingham soon found himself in the referee’s book after a rash challenge as England’s backline continued to look uncertain under pressure. Thomas Tuchel’s side were struggling to find rhythm, and DR Congo capitalised on their disorganisation.

As the first half wore on, England began to threaten. A precise cross from Declan Rice found Bellingham, whose header was well saved by Lionel Mpasi. England’s possession rose to 58%, but the scoreline remained unchanged. Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford both came close, forcing crucial interventions from DR Congo defenders.

Yoane Wissa nearly doubled Congo’s lead, hitting the post after meeting Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross. England then had a penalty appeal waved away when Kane went down under Mpasi’s challenge — a decision that VAR swiftly confirmed as correct. Despite their growing possession, England entered halftime trailing 1-0.

At the break, the stats told the story: England had eight shots (four on target) and 59% possession, while DR Congo had just one shot — their goal. Both sides had committed several fouls, with one yellow card apiece. Former referee Darren Cann later suggested Kane should have been awarded a penalty.

England emerged stronger after the interval. Marcus Rashford went close early on, striking the side netting, while Bellingham’s deflected cross forced another save from Mpasi. But the breakthrough still wouldn’t come. On the hour mark, Tuchel made changes — Anthony Gordon replaced Rashford, and Bukayo Saka came on for Noni Madueke.

With pressure mounting, England continued to probe. DR Congo made changes of their own, bringing on Theo Bongonda and Edo Kayembe. Elliot Anderson saw a long-range effort sail over the bar, as England sought a way through a resilient defence.

Then came the turning point. After Mpasi parried Bellingham’s effort, Harry Kane reacted quickest, smashing the rebound home to make it 1-1. Moments later, Kane struck again, finishing superbly after a clever assist from Gordon to give England the lead. It was the captain’s fifth goal of the 2026 World Cup.

DR Congo made late substitutions, but England held firm. John Stones replaced Declan Rice in stoppage time, helping see out the victory. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 win.

Player Ratings

Jordan Pickford - 5
Will be disappointed not to have saved Cipenga’s early strike at his near post.

Djed Spence - 4
Showed attacking intent but lacked quality with his final ball.

Ezri Konsa - 4
Unconvincing performance in central defence.

Marc Guehi - 5
Improved in possession but still struggled defensively.

Nico O'Reilly - 4
Failed to make a significant impact down the flank.

Declan Rice - 6
Mixed delivery from set pieces but played a strong role after moving to right-back.

Elliot Anderson - 5
Kept things ticking but lacked penetration with his passing.

Jude Bellingham - 6
Twice denied by Mpasi in the first half and remained England’s main attacking threat early on.

Marcus Rashford - 4
Showed flashes of danger but faded quickly.

Noni Madueke - 4
Inconsistent, alternating between promising moments and poor decisions.

Harry Kane - 7
Didn’t dominate but delivered when it mattered most, netting both goals.

Substitutes

Anthony Gordon - 6
Made an immediate impact, assisting both goals and energising the attack.

Bukayo Saka - 5
Recovered from a shaky start to help stabilise England’s right side.

Eberechi Eze - 5
Linked up neatly with Rice and Saka on the right flank.

John Stones - N/A
Came on late to help close the game.

England escaped with a narrow victory after a poor first half, thanks to Kane’s leadership and finishing prowess. The Three Lions now prepare for a round-of-16 clash against Mexico at the iconic Mexico City Stadium, scheduled for 1:00am UK time on Monday, July 6.

Mexico, unbeaten at the Azteca in World Cup history, will pose a formidable challenge. England will need significant improvement if they hope to reach the quarter-finals.

Reflecting on the result, Harry Kane said, “It feels amazing, to be honest. What a crazy game. We went behind against a tough, organised team, but after the first hydration break, we raised our level. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves, but we kept pushing. Everyone in this squad can have a hero moment — today, it was mine.”

England march on, but only just — and Tuchel knows they’ll need to be far sharper in Mexico City.