England 2-1 DR Congo Player Ratings: Harry Kane's Brace Ends DR Congo's Dream Run As The Three Lions Comeback In The Final Minutes To Secure Round of 16 Spot

Underdogs DR Congo faced Thomas Tuchel's England at the Atlanta Stadium in a Round of 32 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this was the very first time that they were playing in the knockouts of the global gathering event.

On the other hand, the England national football team were looking to take their first step towards ultimate glory under the able management of the German manager. They started really well, showing sharpness in attack.

However, it was the DR Congo national football team who struck first as Brian Cipenga's near post finish beat Jordan Pickford, who could have done better, to send the Congolese fans into jubilation in just the 7th minute of the game.

The Three Lions came agonisingly close to equalizing in the match, but Lionel Mpasi-Nzau turned into god mode as he saved efforts from Ezri Konsa, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane. All three of those saves required extreme reflex action, which he timed to perfection.

Former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka made a goal-line clearance from Marcus Rashford, too, keeping the scoreline intact till halftime whistle.

England kept attacking with all their might in the second half, keeping 63% possession, but DR Congo were equal to the task, thwarting every possible danger. Tuchel's men finally scored in the 76th minute, as Anthony Gordon's cross was met by one of the best strikers in the world currently, Harry Kane, whose header brushed off Mpasi's outstretched hand into the net.

The Bayern Munich star was at it again, as he strolled past his marker and hit a powerful shot at the goalkeeper's first post that nestled into the top corner to complete England's comeback in this fixture.

Here are the England vs DR Congo Player Ratings from Sportsdunia.

England National Football Team Player Ratings vs DR Congo

Check out the England national football team player ratings from the England vs DR Congo Player Ratings.

DR Congo National Football Team Player Ratings vs England

Have a look at the DR Congo national football team player ratings from the England vs DR Congo Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Harry Kane was the best player in England vs DR Congo.

Worst Performer

Jordan Pickford was the worst of the lot in this FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 fixture.