England win in dramatic fashion

It had to be the man we always count on. Harry Kane. Sir Harry Kane. The best English footballer of the moment and the all-time top scorer for the England national team. Two goals from the Bayern Munich striker turned around a match that had become very difficult for England. Congo took the lead in the opening stages and the spectre of elimination began to loom large.

But just when things looked their worst, the striker stepped up. The man who’s there for the tough moments. And yesterday was one of them. He levelled the match with 15 minutes to go, masterfully heading home a fine cross from Gordon, who came off the bench and provided the spark England needed. With less than five minutes remaining before the 90-minute mark and extra time looming, he struck again.

In this instance, it was a goal worthy of a world-class player. He received the ball on the edge of the box and, after controlling it, unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner, sending the English fans into a frenzy. It was a very scrappy performance from England, who capitalised on having the world’s best centre-forward in their ranks. Life is easier with Harry Kane on the pitch. When you’re in trouble, call on Harry Kane.

England’s results at the 2026 World Cup

• England 4–2 Croatia
• England 0–0 Ghana
• Panama 0–2 England
• England 2–1 Congo

In the round of 16 against Mexico

One of the lessons to be learnt from the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match against Congo is that England will need to raise their game if they want to go far. Against the African side, who were far inferior to the English in terms of quality, they conceded far too many chances. Thomas Tuchel’s side know that if they play another match like this, elimination will be a certainty.

Without going any further, in the round of 16 they will face their first major challenge in this World Cup. It is no surprise that the England team will face Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the Mexican capital. They are one of the host nations and are in fine form. Their results speak for themselves, as the Mexican side have won all four of their matches in the tournament so far.

Under Javier Aguirre, they are a very difficult side to beat. They have yet to concede a single goal, so Thomas Tuchel’s side will have to put in a superb performance if they are to reach the World Cup last 16. The truth is that England will need to raise their game and rely on their star player. If Harry Kane continues in the same vein as he has so far, everything will be much easier.

Confirmed round of 16 fixtures for the 2026 World Cup

• Canada v Morocco
• Paraguay v France
• Brazil v Norway
• Mexico v England
• United States v Belgium