'Hero' Harry Kane rescues England after DR Congo scare

LOS ANGELES (AFP)

Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from the brink of a humiliating World Cup last-32 exit on Wednesday with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta.

DR Congo had threatened to pull off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after winger Brian Cipenga fired the lowly-ranked African qualifiers into a shock lead on seven minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

But Kane finally equalised with a 75th-minute header and then lashed home a superb winner 11 minutes later to secure a win that sends England into a dream last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday.

"We spoke about people having hero moments, it could be anyone in the team. A save from (goalkeeper Jordan) Pickford, a block from a defender, whoever it is. We have hero moments, and for me it was the day," said a beaming Kane.

England had entered Wednesday's game with doubts swirling around their makeshift defence. And those fears came to fruition after just seven minutes, with Cipenga finding himself in acres of space on England's vulnerable right flank before beating Pickford at the near post with a vicious strike.

England looked shellshocked by the goal and although they dominated possession thereafter, were unable to find a breakthrough.

Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi pulled off a string of remarkable saves to frustrate England, who also had a strong penalty claim just before half-time when Kane was upended in the area by Mpasi after being put through on goal.

With desperation rising, England manager Thomas Tuchel made a flurry of changes, and the introduction of new Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon on 60 minutes proved decisive.

The former Newcastle winger provided the cross that allowed Kane to nod England level in the 75th minute and then supplied the pass for Kane's 86th-minute winner.