Kane’s late double lifts England into last 16 and beyond Pelé mark

Harry Kane scored a late brace as England beat Congo DR 2-1 to reach the World Cup round of 16. The two goals took Kane to 13 career World Cup goals, moving him past Pelé’s total of 12.

England had been in serious danger after Congo DR went ahead early through Brian Cipenga, and the match remained tense as Lionel Mpasi and the Congo DR defence frustrated England for long spells. Kane’s 75th-minute equalizer first drew him level with Pelé before his winner completed the comeback.

The milestone adds to Kane’s growing list of England records. The source notes that he had already moved ahead of Gary Lineker as England’s leading World Cup scorer, and that his latest goals put him on five for this tournament.

England’s reward is a round-of-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on July 5. For editors, the key discussion may be less about the record alone and more about whether England’s reliance on Kane’s finishing is a strength or a warning sign before the knockout stage.