Kane late strikes put England in control against DR Congo

Harry Kane changed the direction of England’s last-32 tie with DR Congo by scoring two late goals: a close-range header from Anthony Gordon’s ball in and then a rising finish from the edge of the box. The supplied live text does not include a full-time whistle or official final score, so this draft should be treated as a late-match update rather than a confirmed match report.

England had been pushing for openings before Kane’s intervention, with Mpasi repeatedly important for DR Congo. He denied efforts from tight angles and helped keep England frustrated during a spell when chances were beginning to arrive but not being converted.

Thomas Tuchel’s side also made a notable tactical adjustment around the 71st minute, sending on Eze for Djed Spence and shifting Rice across to cover at right-back. That change underlined England’s need to chase the game while managing a problem position after Jarell Quansah’s injury.

DR Congo still threatened late, particularly through Yoane Wissa, who won a dangerous free-kick after a challenge by Jude Bellingham and later sent an attempt over the bar. For editors, the key angle is whether Kane’s finishing rescued an uneven England performance or simply reflected late pressure finally turning into goals.