Harry Kane tops England’s World Cup history, one goal away from Geoff Hurst’s record

Harry Kane one goal away (Image: X) Harry Kane is on the brink of another milestone in his England career as he prepares to lead the Three Lions in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta.The England captain has scored three goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup and is just one hit away from equaling Sir Geoff Hurst’s four points, the second-highest tally by an England player in the knock-out stages of the tournament. Only Gary Lineker, with six knockout goals, has scored more for the Three Lions at the World Cup.

England’s all-time World Cup knockout goals

Player knockout goals SuccessGary Lineker6England’s leading scorer in World Cup knockout matches Sir Geoff Hurst4Best remembered for his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup finalHarry Kane3Could have drawn Hurst in the round of 32

England vs DR Congo

England face DR Congo in a must-win round of 32 tie at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00pm local time (5:00pm BST / 9:30pm IST).Thomas Tuchel’s side progressed to the knockout stages after finishing unbeaten at the top of Group L. DR Congo, meanwhile, made history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, advancing as the highest-placed team in third place from Group K. The stakes could not have been higher, with the winner booking a place in the round of 16 in Mexico, where Mexico await. England opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia before drawing 0-0 with Ghana before securing top spot with victory over Panama.

Expected lineups

England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Buzzard.DR Congo (5-3-2): Pain; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Baka, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy, Sadiq; Wissa, Words.