England head coach Thomas Tuchel praised the resilience of his side after they came from behind to edge out DR Congo 2-1 and set up a round-of-16 clash with Mexico at the World Cup.
The Three Lions trailed to Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute goal in Atlanta and saw their hopes of an equaliser repeatedly frustrated by a superb display from DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Harry Kane finally found the equaliser with 15 minutes to go and the England captain netted again with a brilliant individual effort after 86 minutes to put his side through to a meeting with the tournament co-hosts on Sunday night.
It was the first time England had won a World Cup game after conceding the first goal since the 1966 World Cup final and Tuchel was delighted.
He told the BBC: “We kept believing. We had the worst start possible. First shot, first goal.
“Then, it became even more difficult. After the first water break, we were on top of the game. I think we should have had a penalty. The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. Well deserved, but we had to work a lot.
“We have to have that mindset if it is getting hard, don’t lose patience and don’t lose belief. The guy [Lionel Mpasi] was incredible the kind of saves he was making.”
England fortunate after largely uninspiring display
While England deserve credit for their persistence, their lack of quality at both ends of the field was alarming.
Wingers Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford offered little while England looked shaky defensively every time DR Congo came forward. Indeed, had Yoane Wissa’s shot not come back off the post when his side were 1-0 up it could have been a very different outcome.
Even Jordan Pickford, a mainstay for England since the 2018 World Cup, looked shaky and should have done better than allow Cipenga’s shot to beat him at his near post.
Captain Kane digs England out of hole, again
But while England have Kane, they always have a chance.
The Bayern Munich star, captaining his country for a record-equaling 90th time, moved past Pele with his 12th and 13th goals at World Cup finals.
“It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game,” he said. “They are a tough team and after that first [hydration] break we were much better and their keeper made some unbelievable saves. We spoke about people having hero moments and it can be anyone. It was me today.
“We spoke all week about just being ourselves. There are still things to work on for sure and these rounds are just about getting through. We are in the part of the tourament when you have to grind wins out, and that’s what we have done today.
“We are the same as every other nation. We are through, so enjoy it. I want them to enjoy it with the fans, and then we go again in four days.”
England improved after Tuchel made several changes, most notably the introduction of Anthony Gordon, who had a hand in both goals.
Kane added: “We spoke after the Croatia game about subs making an impact and you saw that again. Over 90 minutes, we are tough to handle. I am pleased for everyone involved and hopefully we’ll keep it going.”
