BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

For 68 minutes, England stared nervously at the possibility of becoming the first African scalp of their FIFA World Cup campaign. For 68 minutes, the Democratic Republic of Congo dared to dream.

Then Harry Kane arrived.

Just as Gary Lineker had done exactly 36 years earlier against Cameroon on July 1, 1990, England’s captain dragged his team from the brink, scoring twice as the Three Lions recovered from a goal down to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the Round of 16.

History seemed to be repeating itself. On that famous summer evening in Naples at Italia ’90, Lineker rescued England with two goals against Cameroon. On another July 1, against another African opponent, Kane delivered his own decisive intervention, ensuring England’s unbeaten World Cup record against African nations remained intact.

The contest at the packed stadium had begun stunningly for the Congolese.

Only seven minutes had elapsed when Brian Cipenga silenced the sea of England supporters. Left unmarked on the right side of the penalty area, the winger took a touch before drilling a low shot beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post. The DR Congo bench erupted, while thousands of travelling supporters celebrated wildly in the stands.

The joy before the heartbreak. DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga celebrates with teammate Yoane Wissa after scoring the opening goal against England in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round-of-32 clash at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, on July 1. The Congolese side led for much of the match before England fought back to win 2-1 through a Harry Kane brace. Photo: Reuters/Bernadett Szabo.

Suddenly, England looked vulnerable.

The African side played with confidence and belief, refusing to be intimidated by their illustrious opponents. Every tackle was cheered, every interception celebrated. The Leopards sensed an opportunity to write one of the great World Cup stories.

England, meanwhile, became increasingly frustrated.

Jude Bellingham came close, only to be denied by an outstanding save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Kane also found the Congolese shot-stopper in inspired form, while Marcus Rashford thought he had an opening before Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced a heroic block to preserve the lead.

As halftime approached, DR Congo nearly delivered a devastating second blow. Yoane Wissa found himself with the goal at his mercy from inside the six-yard box, but his effort crashed against the post, drawing gasps from every corner of the stadium.

Had that gone in, England’s World Cup dream might have been in serious jeopardy.

Instead, the Europeans survived and gradually increased the pressure after the break.

The Congolese defence continued to resist bravely, but the warning signs were growing. England’s attacks became more frequent, their crosses more dangerous, and their captain more influential.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute.

Kane, who had been searching tirelessly for an opening all evening, pounced to bring England level. The goal transformed the atmosphere instantly. Relief swept through the England ranks, while DR Congo suddenly found themselves defending deeper than at any stage of the match.

The underdogs fought courageously, but the momentum had shifted.

With extra time looming and the Congolese supporters dreaming of another heroic defensive stand, England struck the decisive blow.

Four minutes from time, Anthony Gordon delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Kane escaped his marker with a clever turn and powered a header beyond Mpasi, sending England’s fans into raptures.

The captain sprinted away in celebration as teammates swarmed around him. Across the pitch, exhausted Congolese players dropped to the turf, their magnificent resistance finally broken.

At the final whistle, England had survived one of their sternest examinations of the tournament.

For DR Congo, there was heartbreak but also immense pride. The African side had pushed one of football’s traditional giants to the limit and came within touching distance of a famous upset.

For England, the reward is a Round-of-16 showdown with Mexico at the legendary Azteca Stadium on Sunday.

And once again, when England needed a hero on the World Cup stage, their captain answered the call.

Just as Lineker did in 1990, Harry Kane ensured that July 1 would remain a date etched in England’s World Cup folklore.

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