England captain Harry Kane overtook Brazilian legend Pelé on the FIFA World Cup all-time scoring chart after scoring twice in a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Democratic Republic of the Congo to send the Three Lions into the round of 16.
Kane’s late brace rescued England from the brink of elimination after they fell behind in the seventh minute.
His first goal, scored in the 75th minute, drew him level with Pelé on 12 World Cup goals before he struck again to move ahead of the three-time world champion and seal England’s place in the knockout stage.
England will now take on co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on July 5.
“It feels amazing to do this,” Kane told the BBC. “What a crazy game. After that first hydration break I thought we upped the level, we looked good.
“Their keeper made some unbelievable saves in the first half. It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock, and our moments will come.
“We spoke about people having hero moments. It could be anyone in the team. Whether it’s me, a save from Pickers [Jordan Pickford], a block from the defenders, whoever it is.
“We have hero moments, and for me it was the day.”
England’s hopes were rocked early when Brian Cipenga broke through the defence in the seventh minute before beating goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post.
The Three Lions pushed for an equaliser through Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, but goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced a string of impressive saves, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka cleared another effort off the line.
Yoane Wissa also struck the post before halftime as Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to find their rhythm.
Kane appealed for a penalty after going down inside the area, but the referee dismissed the claims.
The Bayern Munich striker eventually sparked England’s comeback with an equaliser before completing the turnaround 11 minutes later.
His brace took his tally at this World Cup to five goals, one behind Lionel Messi, who leads the Golden Boot race and remains the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals.
Kane had already surpassed Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer in the previous match against Panama, and his latest performance added another landmark to his international career.
Pelé finished his World Cup career with 12 goals in 16 matches and remains the only player to have won the tournament three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
Kane has now scored 20 goals in major international tournaments for England and remains his country’s all-time leading scorer with 84 goals in 117 appearances.
After the match, he joined his teammates in celebrating with England supporters by singing Oasis’ “Wonderwall” before kissing the badge on his sleeve.
“I told the boys to enjoy [the win]. Sometimes, as an England player, when you go through tough games like this, and games you’re expected to win, you don’t always celebrate how you should,” he said.
“We’re the same as every other nation, we’re through, so enjoy it, you know? We’re in a World Cup, fighting for it all, for every moment, every little margin.
“I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy it with the fans like we did, and then we go again in four days.”
