England secured a place in the Fifa World Cup Round of 16 with a hard-fought comeback victory over DR Congo, inspired by captain Harry Kane, as three former Nigeria-eligible players — Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka — featured for the Three Lions.
Madueke was handed a starting berth, while Saka and Eze came off the bench in the second half to help England complete the turnaround.
The former Chelsea winger impressed with an energetic display in the opening period, but it was DR Congo who struck first through Brian Cipenga, who beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at his near post to give the Leopards the lead.
England mounted a second-half comeback to seal the victory, with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane scoring twice in the space of 11 minutes.
The England captain restored parity in the 75th minute with a powerful header before completing the turnaround in the 86th minute, unleashing a stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top corner.
Madueke's lively outing came to an end in the 61st minute f as he was replaced by Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, while 2017 Super Eagles invitee Eberechi Eze was introduced after the hydration break, coming on for Djed Spence in the final twenty minutes of the contest.
The victory sealed England's place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico in their bid for a place in the quarter-finals.
Adeyemi Adewale
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