For the first time since 1986, an Englishman has scored two goals in a World Cup knockout match, when it was Gary Lineker. Now Harry Kane is the new hero for the “Three Lions”.
"We talked about someone on the team having a hero moment. It could be anyone, it could be me. Today it was me," he says in the TV interview after the game.
But it was far from straightforward.
Congo-Kinshasa shocked
In the seventh minute of the match, Congo-Kinshasa's Brian Cipenga reached a long cross. Two touches later, the ball was in the net - a finish that did not look entirely unsavable for England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Just over 35 minutes later, Congo-Kinshasa had the next big chance, when striker Yoane Wissa hit the post from close range.
"Congo-Kinshasa were a tough and well-organised team. Their goalkeeper made some incredible saves in the first half," said Kane.
“Should have had a punishment”
Then came a situation that sent England into a frenzy. Harry Kane was played through from the halfway line, was alone with the goalkeeper and fell. Everyone in white in Atlanta expected the referee to point to the penalty spot, but that didn't happen.
The Bayern Munich star would have reason to celebrate, however. In the 76th minute, Anthony Gordon lobbed the ball into the Congolese penalty area and Kane headed in the equaliser.
Ten minutes later he struck again - again assisted by Gordon - and England won 2–1.
"It was stressful. We created chance after chance. I think we should have had a penalty. But we kept going and going," says national team captain Thomas Tuchel.
England will play the round of 16 against Mexico on July 6, Swedish time.
