For the best part of an hour, England flirted with disaster in the Georgia heat. A goal down early to a spirited DR Congo side, struggling to impose themselves and repeatedly thwarted by an excellent goalkeeper, Thomas Tuchel’s team faced the prospect of a humiliating early exit from the World Cup. Then, as so often, Harry Kane provided the answer.

Two goals from the captain in the closing stages completed a 2-1 comeback victory that sends England into the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico. It was not pretty, nor particularly convincing, but in knockout football only progression truly matters. Relief, rather than euphoria, was the dominant emotion as the final whistle sounded at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

DR Congo took a seventh-minute lead through Brian Cipenga, capitalising on a moment of slack defending that exposed lingering uncertainties at the back. For long stretches thereafter, England dominated possession without ever looking entirely comfortable. Lionel Mpasi, the DR Congo keeper, produced a string of fine saves to keep his side in front, while the African nation’s compact shape and quick transitions made life awkward for Tuchel’s men.

Jude Bellingham, so influential earlier in the tournament, found himself hemmed in. Creative players such as Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka threatened without quite finding the decisive spark. It was the kind of performance that has long characterised England at major tournaments: plenty of talent on paper, yet a curious difficulty in translating it into smooth control on the pitch.

Kane had been relatively subdued until the moment that mattered. His equaliser with 15 minutes remaining was expertly taken, lifting a familiar burden from his teammates’ shoulders. The winner, arriving late, was struck with the authority of a player who understands exactly what this shirt demands. In an instant, anxiety gave way to celebration.

This was only the second time England have won a World Cup knockout fixture after conceding the first goal, a footnote that hints at both historical rarity and a certain resilience. Tuchel will nevertheless demand more. The German coach has emphasised structure and intensity since taking charge, but there were passages here where cohesion was lacking and opportunities were wasted.

For DR Congo, this represented a proud showing. Outranked and under-resourced by most measures, they troubled one of the tournament favourites and can return home with heads held high. Their organisation and commitment made this far more competitive than many anticipated.

England now head to Mexico City for a formidable challenge against the co-hosts. That tie will test their credentials far more rigorously. Questions about attacking fluency and defensive solidity remain, even as qualification is assured.Kane, inevitably, was central to the post-match reflections. “It was a difficult evening, but the most important thing is that we are still in the competition,” he noted. “We will need to be better, and we know that.”

In a World Cup where expectations at home remain high, this was a reminder of the fine margins. England live to fight on – thanks in large measure to their captain’s enduring habit of delivering when it counts most.