Harry Kane carries England into the last 16

In the World Cup Round of 32, England came through a tough battle against DR Congo to win 2-1 and reach the last 16. The man who carried the favorites to the next round was Harry Kane, who decided the fate of the match with two goals.

It was DR Congo who made a surprise start to the match. From a chance set up by Chancel Mbemba, Cipenga found the net in the 7th minute to put his side 1-0 ahead. This early goal made the match a difficult one for favorites England. Finishing the first half behind, England gradually took control of the game in the second half.

Stepping up their pressure in the second half, England found the goal they were looking for in the 75th minute. Meeting the ball from an assist by Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane made it 1-1 to level the match again. Maintaining their superiority after that goal, England went ahead through Kane, who took the stage again in the 86th minute. Meeting a pass from Gordon once more, the experienced striker scored his second and his team's second goal to put England 2-1 up. Ahead of their opponents in possession, expected goals and chance creation throughout the match, England managed to reflect their superiority on the result.

With this win, England reached the last 16. The side, which drew attention with their reaction in a match where they fell behind, were the team that deserved to go through thanks to their effectiveness at the key moments. While captain Harry Kane's decisive performance marked the night, DR Congo bowed out of the tournament despite their effort. England's opponent in the last 16 will be one of the eagerly awaited storylines of the tournament.

Image: Yahoo Sports

Match by the numbers: Possession 60%-40%, expected goals (xG) 2.04-0.80, total shots 16-7, big chances 7-1, touches in the opposition box 40-12.