Harry Kane scores twice as England beat DR Congo 2-1 to reach World Cup last 16

England booked their place in the next round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Harry Kane scored twice in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo.

The Three Lions were made to work for their win as DR Congo produced a determined performance and threatened to cause one of the tournament's biggest upsets. However, England captain Kane once again proved the difference, netting both goals to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the last 16.

England controlled much of the possession during the opening stages but found DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in outstanding form. After several missed chances, Kane finally broke the deadlock, calmly finishing from close range to give England a deserved lead.

DR Congo refused to give up and fought back after the break, equalising with a well-worked move that stunned the England supporters and briefly shifted the momentum in favour of the African side.

With the match finely balanced, Kane stepped up once again. The Bayern Munich striker struck his second goal of the evening to restore England's advantage, finishing clinically to make it 2-1 and secure his side's place in the next stage of the competition.

Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka all impressed as England created numerous opportunities, while the defence held firm during the closing stages despite late pressure from DR Congo.

The victory keeps England's hopes of winning a first World Cup since 1966 alive, with Tuchel's team now turning their attention to the next knockout round.

Harry Kane's brace also strengthens his position among the tournament's leading goalscorers, underlining his importance as England continue their bid for World Cup glory.