The World Cup trophy may still go home.
England rallied from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and move onto the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday afternoon.
England struggled to take control of the game after going down 1-0 in the seventh minute, but eventually wore down the Congolese players and Harry Kane scored in the 75th and 86th minutes.
The Three Lions were propelled by two clinical finishes from Kane, as he passed Brazilian legend Pele in total World Cup goals with 13.
Kane has now scored 20 goals in major international tournaments for his nation and is already the record goal scorer with 84 goals from 117 appearances.
England missed Chelsea left back Reece James, who was unable to play with a hamstring injury, immensly in the match.
Djed Spence tried to fill his role, but was eventually subbed for Eberechi Eze in favor of a more offensive formation.
DR Congo gave it their best after earning the countries first ever World Cup win against Uzbekistan earlier this tournament.
“There’s a war in East Congo,” Yoane Wissa said before the game. “Every day, every time we wear this shirt, we think about them.
“Because we want peace and for them, I just say, ‘Thank you’. Thank you because we came from far. We came from nothing to be here. Now we write our story with a black pen and we need to be proud.”
Brian Cipenga scored the lone goal for the African team on a beautiful near post finish in the seventh minute.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi also impressed, finishing with five saves on seven shots on goal.
England will now have to travel to Mexico City to face host nation Mexico on July 5.
El Tri has yet to concede a goal this tournament, winning thier first four games by a combined score of 8-0.
