Soccer
England vs. DR Congo player ratings: Who starred as Three Lions complete comeback?
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England's World Cup survival hung by a thread until Harry Kane delivered two goals in eleven minutes to complete a dramatic 2–1 comeback against Congo DR.
Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute opener had the African debutants dreaming of a historic upset, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau producing save after save to protect their lead.
Thomas Tuchel's substitutions finally unlocked the door, with Anthony Gordon assisting both of Kane's decisive strikes after entering in the 61st minute.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Kane delighted to deliver England 'hero' moment
England vs. DR Congo Player of the Match
Harry Kane (England)
Scored twice in eleven minutes to rescue England, heading home at 75' before firing the 86th-minute winner past Mpasi-Nzau.
England vs. DR Congo Player Ratings
England
Jordan Pickford (6.7): Faced limited threats, comfortable save from Elia, commanded his area late.
Ezri Konsa (6.8): Recovered after early struggles, stepped forward when England pushed for goals.
Marc Guéhi (6.7): Contributed to build-up play, made crucial headed clearance from Cipenga cross.
Djed Spence (5.5): Struggled badly against Cipenga, caught out of position for opening goal.
Nico O'Reilly (6.6): Pushed forward regularly from left-back, tracked back diligently when required.
Elliot Anderson (6.7): Important block on Mbuku's shot, recycled possession steadily in midfield.
Declan Rice (7.2): Excellent set-piece delivery, moved to right-back, set up Gordon's winner.
Jude Bellingham (7.0): Created big chances repeatedly, denied by Mpasi-Nzau saves, booked for frustration.
Noni Madueke (6.7): Delivered dangerous crosses including Bellingham's best header, replaced after 61 minutes.
Marcus Rashford (6.5): Shot cleared off line by Wan-Bissaka, struck side netting, lacked sharpness.
Harry Kane (9.1): Two-goal comeback hero, headed equaliser at 75', fired winner at 86'.
Bukayo Saka (7.0): Injected urgency from the bench, combined well on right during comeback.
Anthony Gordon (8.3): Match-changing impact with two assists, delivered crosses for both Kane goals.
Eberechi Eze (6.4): Added attacking impetus late on, involved in build-up during decisive period.
John Stones (6.2): Brief cameo in stoppage time, helped protect England's lead at finish.
Tuchel highlights key factor in England's dramatic comeback win
Congo DR
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau (8.6): Heroic display with multiple outstanding saves from Bellingham and Kane before late heartbreak.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (7.4): Crucial goal-line clearance denied Rashford, crossed for Wissa's post, defended solidly.
Chancel Mbemba (7.3): Exceptional diagonal pass assisted Cipenga's opener, captained with authority throughout.
Axel Tuanzebe (7.2): Vital block on Kane one-on-one, competed physically until Kane's late header.
Arthur Masuaku (6.6): Blocked Madueke's shot, tracked back diligently, replaced late in match.
Ngal'ayel Mukau (6.5): Anchored midfield, dropped deep to form back five when defending.
Samuel Moutoussamy (6.4): Worked alongside Mukau providing defensive screen, simple distribution in possession.
Noah Sadiki (6.6): Intelligent movement created space for opening goal, booked for Spence foul.
Nathanaël Mbuku (6.5): Drew Bellingham's yellow card, combined with Wan-Bissaka, replaced at 64'.
Brian Cipenga (7.5): Clinical finish for seventh-minute opener, troubled Spence throughout before substitution.
Yoane Wissa (6.7): Struck post from close range at 42', dropped deep to link play.
Meschack Elia (6.2): Fresh energy off bench, weak shot saved easily by Pickford.
Théo Bongonda (6.1): Limited time to impact after replacing goalscorer Cipenga at 76'.
Edo Kayembe (6.1): Entered at 76' for midfield reinforcement, unable to prevent momentum shift.
Joris Kayembe (6.0): Late substitute at 89', minimal involvement as England protected lead.
Fiston Mayele (6.0): Entered in 89th minute seeking equaliser, virtually no opportunity to impact.
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