England 2 DR Congo 1: Captain Harry Kane to the rescue as Three Lions given World Cup fright

A decade on from the humiliating Euros exit to Iceland, history threatened to repeat itself as Brian Cipenga’s early strike meant they faced the prospect of falling at the first knockout hurdle to unfancied opposition.

England stumbled for large periods and struggled to beat inspired DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but Tuchel’s men kept their cool – and at times rode their luck – as Kane’s second-half double completed a 2-1 comeback win in the round of 32.

This was the first time they had won a World Cup match after conceding first since the 1966 final and Wednesday’s rocky display raises huge questions as to whether they can make it past Mexico, never mind reach the final.

DR Congo, playing in the first ever knockout match on this stage, all too easily exposed England’s defence and Yoane Wissa hit the goal frame towards the end of a half when Kane felt he was wrongly denied a penalty.

Tension and audible frustration grew as the second half wore on, only for substitute Anthony Gordon to twice set up his captain to secure a comeback win and a last-16 date with Mexico at the Azteca.

Tuchel repeatedly talked up the threat posed by DR Congo, but his careless players failed to heed that warning at the majestic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

England’s centre-backs were pulled out of position inside seven minutes and Djed Spence, the third player to start at right-back in four matches, failed to cut out Chancel Mbemba’s cross.

Cipenga continued to confidently slam a low shot past Jordan Pickford at his near post, sparking wild celebrations as DR Congo substitutes poured onto the pitch.

England looked paralysed by fear as their play lacked attacking guile and defensive coherency.

Jude Bellingham’s header was stopped by Mpasi’s firm hand as England’s talisman became increasingly frustrated.

Wissa caught the centre-backs napping and met Wan-Bissaka’s deflected cross with a close-range touch onto the near post.

An England penalty looked like it would follow that let-off after Mpasi caught Kane, but the referee and VAR disagreed to the astonishment of the England faithful. DR Congo’s exceptional goalkeeper brilliantly denied Bellingham and Kane before the break, before substitute Gordon lifted over a cross from the left and Kane’s header just had too much for Mpasi, setting up a box office conclusion.

Elliot Anderson curled just onto the roof of the net, DR Congo survived some penalty-box pinball and Bellingham was stopped, before the 86th minute brought English joy.

Kane received the ball on the edge of the box and smartly made space to unleash a fierce drive into the roof of the net.

It was a magical moment at the end of an at-times alarming afternoon in Atlanta.