Kane brace puts England 2-1 up as DR Congo mount late fightback

England and England have taken a 2–1 lead over DR Congo in a dramatic Round of 32 knockout clash, with Harry Kane striking again in the 86th minute to tilt the contest firmly in the favourites' favour.

DR Congo, reduced to 10 men since the 65th minute, have continued to resist under heavy pressure but were finally breached again late in the game after Kane pounced on a well-timed pass and calmly finished into the top right corner in the 86th minute.

The African side had threatened moments earlier in the 85th minute when Meschack Elia forced a superb reflex save from Jordan Pickford after a rebound inside the box, nearly punishing England's defensive lapse.

England, who equalised earlier through Kane in the 75th minute, have since intensified their attacking waves, with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon repeatedly stretching the defence in wide areas while Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham have created sustained pressure from midfield.

DR Congo had shown resilience despite their numerical disadvantage following Meschack Elia's red card in the 65th minute, but the late breakthrough has left them chasing the game with time running out.

With just minutes remaining, England now lead 2–1 and are closing in on a place in the next round, while DR Congo face an uphill battle to produce another late twist in this gripping encounter.