Harry Kane’s rocket sank DR Congo to break Pele’s World Cup record in style
Harry Kane salvaged England’s World Cup campaign with a commendable spell that followed when he powered home a stunning late winner against DR Congo to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback and break one of Pele’s long-standing World Cup records. The England captain’s stunning strike from the edge of the box not only sealed his brace but also took him past the Brazil legend’s tally of 12 goals at the World Cup, keeping the Three Lions alive in the tournament.
England spent more than an hour chasing the game after Brian Cipenga stunned Thomas Tuchel’s side with the opening goal in the seventh minute. Kane eventually restored parity in the 75th minute before creating the decisive moment of the contest 11 minutes later, unleashing an unstoppable drive past Lionel Mpasi. to send England into the round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico.
FIFA World Cup England vs DR Congo: Highlights
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
However, the loudest praise came from inside the losers’ locker room.
“We managed to surround England but they responded and that is the capacity of these big teams,” DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said after the match.
“It took the best striker in the world to save them and that happens against these big nations. We did what we could, we came close to winning, but it can also be a victory for us in a way.”
Desabre also made sure his side left with their heads held high.
“When you represent the national team, you have to leave a good image behind and I believe we have done that. We are more proud than disappointed. We are disappointed to leave the World Cup, but we scored five goals in the tournament and played against much higher teams and got good results.”
HARRY KANE’S ROCKET SAVES ENGLAND
For most of the evening, England looked destined for an early flight home.
DR Congo defended brilliantly after Cipenga’s play, while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi frustrated England with a series of excellent saves. Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Kane were denied, Yoane Wiss hit the post and Kane even saw a penalty appeal waved as frustration mounted.
Then came the captain’s reply.
His equalizer breathed life into England’s challenge and also brought it level with the Pelé World Cup. A moment that would repeat itself for years, but it came in the 86th minute.
Kane collected the ball just outside the area, shifted the ball onto his right foot and fired an unstoppable rocket into the far corner. Mpasi barely moved. The strike saved England, broke Pele’s record and underlined why Desabre named him the best striker in world football.
“It feels amazing to do it. What a crazy game,” Kane said.
“Their keeper made some incredible saves in the first half. It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock and our moments will come.”
Kane said England had talked beforehand about individuals stepping up when push came to shove.
“We talked about people having hero moments. It could be anybody on the team. Whether it’s me, a save from Pickers, a block in front of defenders, whoever it is.”
“We have heroic moments and for me it was a day.
HISTORY FOLLOWS KANE
The brace continued another remarkable chapter in Kane’s England career.
Just days after he overtook Gary Lineker as England’s top scorer in World Cup history against Panama, the Bayern Munich forward has now moved past Pelé with 13 World Cup goals. He also took his tally to five goals in the tournament, just one behind Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
In total, Kane now boasts 84 goals in 117 games for England and 20 goals in major international tournaments. He also earned his 15th World Cup start against DR Congo, the most of any England outfield player.
After the final whistle, Kane celebrated side-by-side with England supporters, singing Wonderwall before reminding his team-mates not to take nights like these for granted.
“I told the guys to enjoy it,” Kane said.
“Sometimes, as an England player, when you go through tough games like this and games you’re expected to win, you don’t always celebrate as you should.
“We’re done, so enjoy it. We’re at the World Cup, we’re fighting for everything, every moment, every little difference. I want the boys to enjoy it with fans like us and then we go again in four days.”
England’s World Cup dream lives on. And with one thunderbolt that left Pelé behind, Kane’s own World Cup legacy grew even bigger.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
02 Jul 2026 02:18 IST