The teams of England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced each other at Seattle Stadium. Brian Cipenga put the African team ahead in the first half, but a double from Harry Kane in the second half gave the English victory. England will face Mexico in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

England starting line-up: Jordan Pickford, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Noni Madueke, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford.

DR Congo's starting XI: Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku, John Wissa and Brian Cipenga.

England was the big favorite in this match. The European team took to the field with great favoritism. However, Sébastien Desabre's team played a very serious and correct match against the giant English team.

Seven minutes into the game, a cross from the left side caused England a lot of problems. The ball could not be cleared. Chancel Mbemba's assist was left to Brian Cipenga. The Alemaria footballer kicked Jordan Pickford's post very well and scored the first goal of the game.

England felt very uncomfortable in the match. Thomas Tuchel had a lot of problems overcoming the defensive side of an African team that was very dangerous in attack. The Democratic Republic of the Congo did not go for a walk in the World Cup and they showed it, once again, in this match.

As expected, England tried to even the score with their weapons. On both sides, wingers and wingers, they filled the area revered by Harry Kane with crosses. On a couple of occasions the rebounds benefited the English, but the African goal was closed.

Sequence of plays in England's attack

Sébastien Desabre has a list of very interesting attacking players at his disposal. This has been evident during the World Cup and England suffered from it during some passages of the match. The Democratic Republic of the Congo did not get completely into his goal. With quick transitions, the African team created a lot of danger for the English defense.

The England team had time against them. This made the Europeans increasingly attack with more players on the attacking front. In the 73rd minute, just after the hydration break, England equalized. A cross from Anthony Gordon and good anticipation from Harry Kane gave the English team the tying goal.

Harry Kane is one of the few strikers who remains a decisive player for his national teams. Four minutes from the end of regulation time, Kane showed that he does not need to be enabled to create his own scoring actions. The Bayern Munich striker, with three defenders around him, managed to take a great shot with his right foot that completely surpassed Lionel Mpasi. England remained calm and came back in the game a few minutes from the end.

England adds another victory in the World Cup. Despite the complex match they had to play, Thomas Tuchel can draw positive conclusions from this match. For the first time in the 2026 World Cup, England was behind on the scoreboard.

Although the goal took more than 70 minutes to arrive, the English team generated many dangerous actions in attack. England kicked the goal up to 8 times and had 5 corner kicks at their disposal. However, in the defensive game, the English had some gaps that were exploited by the rebellious African team.

Detailed data from the match between England and DR Congo

England vs. Mexico

The Mexican team will face England in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. This match will take place at the Mexico City Stadium, better known as the Azteca Stadium. This match will be played on Sunday, July 5.