Lead

Harry Kane scored two late goals to rescue England from a major upset, as the Three Lions came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in their World Cup round-of-32 match in Atlanta on Wednesday. The victory secures England's place in the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Sunday, as reported by multiple outlets including Al Jazeera, Dawn, and TASS.

DR Congo had taken a shock early lead through Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute, but Kane's 75th-minute header and an 86th-minute strike completed the comeback, according to reports from Africa News, Al Jazeera, and France 24.

Coverage comparison

Coverage of the match varied in emphasis across outlets. Al Jazeera and Dawn both framed the game as a "huge scare" for England, highlighting Kane's heroics and the threat of a "seismic shock" or "humiliation" that was avoided. France 24 described the contest as "dramatic" and noted the "frustration, fear and near misses" for England before the late turnaround. Africa News focused on the disappointment for African teams, noting that DR Congo and Senegal both exited the tournament after holding leads, with the outlet using words like "disappointing" and "devastating" to describe the outcomes.

ABC Australia provided a live blog and preview ahead of the match, concentrating on England's injury concerns and lineup changes. TASS reported the result in a straightforward, factual manner, confirming the scoreline and England's next opponent.

Key claims

  • England defeated DR Congo 2-1 in their round-of-32 match in Atlanta, as reported by Africa News, Al Jazeera, Dawn, France 24, and TASS.
  • Harry Kane scored both England goals, with his first in the 75th minute and his second in the 86th minute, according to Africa News, Al Jazeera, Dawn, France 24, and TASS.
  • Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo the lead in the seventh minute, as reported by Al Jazeera, Dawn, France 24, and TASS.
  • DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several outstanding saves, denying Jude Bellingham on multiple occasions, according to France 24 and Africa News.
  • England will face Mexico in the round of 16, as reported by Al Jazeera, Dawn, and TASS.
  • Thomas Tuchel made two changes to the England lineup from their previous match against Panama, with Declan Rice returning in midfield and Djed Spence coming in at right-back, as reported by Al Jazeera and Dawn.
  • Reece James and Jarell Quansah were ruled out for England due to injury, with James suffering a hamstring injury and Quansah twisting his ankle, according to ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, and Dawn.
  • DR Congo had never won a point or scored a goal at the World Cup until this tournament, as reported by Al Jazeera and Dawn.
  • Senegal lost to Belgium in their round-of-32 match, despite leading 2-0 with five minutes remaining, as reported by Africa News and France 24.

Perspectives

England camp: Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence that injured players Reece James and Jarell Quansah would return soon, saying "They're getting closer and closer," and emphasized the need for England to advance to have more matches, as reported by ABC Australia.

DR Congo camp: Coach Sébastien Desabre expressed disappointment, saying "We're disappointed because we really believed we could do it," while acknowledging that "one of the world's best players scored two goals against us," as reported by Africa News.