England survived a nervy World Cup knockout tie on Wednesday, coming from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 32 in Atlanta. Harry Kane netted twice in the closing stages, with both goals assisted by substitute Anthony Gordon, to clinch a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Brian Cipenga had put DR Congo ahead, and England's performance for much of the match was unconvincing — but Kane, as so often, delivered when his country needed him most.

Goalkeeper and defence

Jordan Pickford had an uncomfortable evening between the sticks, arguably at fault for Cipenga's opener and bailed out by the woodwork when Yoane Wissa struck the post late in the first half. He rated a 4 out of 10.

At right-back, Djed Spence — brought in after Jarell Quansah's injury ruled him out following Reece James's earlier setback — had a difficult night. He was drawn out of position for the goal and repeatedly beaten by the DR Congo winger before being withdrawn in the 71st minute. Spence earns a 4.

Ezri Konsa showed questionable positioning for the opener and allowed Wissa too much freedom before the post intervened. He recovered better in the second half and filled in at right-back after Declan Rice moved across. A 5 from the raters. Marc Guehi was arguably too tight to Konsa for the goal but was England's most reliable defender throughout, earning a 6. Nico O'Reilly, 21, had a solid if unspectacular outing at left-back, also rated a 6.

Midfield

Rice returned from a calf injury and delivered mixed contributions — his set-piece delivery was poor, yet his incisive pass to set up Gordon for Kane's equaliser was outstanding. He moved to right-back after Spence's withdrawal and performed far better there. A 6 from the judges before he was replaced in the 90+2'.

Elliot Anderson did not reach the heights of his group-stage showings. He made useful interceptions and showed some neat passing, but gave possession away too often and struck the top of the net late on when a goal was there for the taking. A 5.

Jude Bellingham was England's brightest spark in attack — twice denied by DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi in the first half alone — and was unlucky not to find the net. He was booked inside 19 minutes and flirted with a second yellow card near the final whistle. Rated a 6.

Attack

Noni Madueke, recalled to the starting XI in place of Bukayo Saka, was caught flat-footed as Cipenga opened the scoring and offered too little threat going forward before being replaced in the 61st minute. A 4.

Marcus Rashford had a frustrating evening — letting passes go by in the first half, though he did have efforts cleared off the line and striking the side netting. He also departed in the 61st minute for a 5 rating.

Kane, once again the man for the occasion, scored two superb late goals and should have won a penalty in the first half. The captain earns a 7, the joint-highest rating of the night.

Impact from the bench

Gordon, introduced for Rashford at the hour mark, was the decisive contributor — two pinpoint assists for Kane's goals and a genuine reminder to manager Thomas Tuchel of his claims to a starting berth for the next round against Mexico. He matches Kane's 7 rating.

Saka, on for Madueke, showed flashes of quality including a well-weighted ball for Gordon after the second-half hydration break. Rated a 5. Eberechi Eze, on for Spence at 71', offered little of note but remains a useful option off the bench — also a 5.