The contest exploded into life with a stunning breakthrough after just 7 minutes. RD Congo capitalised on their first meaningful venture into the final third as Mbemba turned provider for Brian Cipenga. Receiving the ball on the edge of the area, Cipenga arrowed a clinical strike into the bottom left corner to silence the English support and make it 1-0.

Stung by the early setback, England immediately monopolised possession, camping in the opposition half as Bellingham, Rice, and Rashford began to pull the strings. However, they found Lionel Mpasi in inspired form; the Congo goalkeeper produced a string of vital saves to thwart Harry Kane and keep a goal-hungry Bellingham at bay with some superb reflex stops.

The English barrage reached fever pitch as the first half drew to a close. Kane saw a thunderous effort parried by Mpasi, before Bellingham’s goalbound header was again kept out by the defiant keeper. Yet, for all England's dominance, they were nearly caught cold in the 42nd minute when Yoane Wissa burst onto a long ball, only to see his powerful strike rattle the post.

Despite a frantic period of stoppage-time pressure from the Three Lions, Congo navigated their way to the interval with their slender lead intact, largely thanks to Mpasi’s heroics between the posts.

Kane takes centre stage as relentless pressure pays dividends

England emerged for the second period with renewed intent, pinning RD Congo deep within their own territory. Bellingham and Rashford remained the primary architects of the attack, constantly probing a tiring Congolese backline.

The sustained pressure finally told in the 74th minute. Rising highest to meet a pinpoint delivery, Harry Kane powered a header into the far corner, leaving Mpasi helpless and hauling England level at 1-1.

The equaliser completely transformed the complexion of the tie. Congo attempted to stem the tide a minute later, introducing Kayembe and Bongonda in place of Mukau and Cipenga to shore up the midfield and regain an attacking foothold.

England, however, refused to relent. Having already introduced Eze for Spence in the 67th minute to inject further creativity, Gareth Southgate's side continued to dictate the tempo. Congo made a final throw of the dice in the 89th minute, bringing on Kayembe and Mayele for Moutoussamy and Masuaku as they fought to survive the late onslaught.

But the resistance eventually crumbled. In the 85th minute, England crafted the knockout blow: Mpasi could only parry a stinging drive from Bellingham, and the rebound fell perfectly for Harry Kane. The captain made no mistake, rifling home to complete the turnaround and make it 2-1.

With the lead finally secured, England managed the closing stages with professional composure against a valiant Congo side. Ultimately, the Leopards succumbed to England's superior firepower as Kane’s heroics ensured safe passage to the next round of the 2026 World Cup.

B. Cipenga

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