England captain Harry Kane once again proved pivotal in his team’s 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday in Atlanta. Kane scored both goals in quick succession, netting an equaliser in the 75th minute before securing the winner with a powerful strike just four minutes from full time.

Kane’s two goals brought his tournament tally to five, placing him in a three-way race for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who each have six. With these strikes, Kane moved past Pele’s record to become joint sixth on the all-time World Cup goalscorers list, tied with France’s Just Fontaine and trailing only Messi by six goals.

Manager Thomas Tuchel praised Kane’s effectiveness, describing him as one of the tournament’s "sharks" among top forwards, emphasizing his ability to capitalize on opportunities. Kane’s consistency this season has been notable, having scored 72 goals in 62 appearances for both club and country.

Midfielder Declan Rice highlighted Kane’s leadership and technical skill, noting his importance within the squad and his ability to change the course of matches. “He is a proper leader, a captain, trains every day and gets on with everyone in the group,” Rice said. He also praised Kane’s second goal against DR Congo as an exceptional finish.

Despite Kane’s contributions, England’s overall performance has raised concerns. The team has relied heavily on Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who collectively have scored seven of England’s eight goals in the tournament. The match against Congo exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of impact from wide players such as Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke. Thomas Tuchel faces questions about the depth of England’s attacking options and the fitness of the 32-year-old captain, with no clear alternative at center-forward.

England will now face host nation Mexico in the round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Sunday. The high-altitude conditions present an additional challenge that Tuchel will need to prepare his players for during their return to base camp in Kansas City.

Former England forward Chris Sutton emphasized the significance of the win over DR Congo, cautioning against complacency. “For England to win was a big deal. It’s knockout football. It’s about getting over the line,” he said. Sutton also posed a broader question about the team’s reliance on Kane’s goals, underscoring the captain’s central role in England’s World Cup campaign.