Harry Kane came to England’s rescue like so many times before with his double downing DR Congo 2-1 to ease past the World Cup last 32 phase and set up a glamour last 16 tie with Mexico.
The match, in Mexico City on Sunday, will provide a unique test with altitude and humidity providing added factors for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The Three Lions struggled for large spells of the last 32 tie in Atlanta, but their captain held his nerve with a brilliant double to paper over the cracks of what continues to be a problem position at right-back.
Tuchel may well consider changes, with Declan Rice operating at right-back in the closing stages against DR Congo, while Anthony Gordon changed the game in place of Marcus Rashford on the left.
Follow all the reaction to England’s dramatic win over DR Congo below and the build-up to Sunday’s exciting tie with co-hosts Mexico:
Read MoreIncredible Kane justifies Tuchel decision but England have huge World Cup questions to answer
England’s right-back farce continues to leave Thomas Tuchel with one World Cup option
England player ratings vs DR Congo as Harry Kane saves Three Lions in gripping World Cup last 32 tie
Mexico v England build-up after World Cup victory over DR Congo
- England set up blockbuster last 16 tie with Mexico after DR Congo victory
- England face daunting altitude test at Estadio Azteca 40 years on from Mexico '86
- Kane on 'disadvantage' for England against Mexico
- Tuchel makes England World Cup plea to parents: ‘Write an excuse for school’
- ANALYSIS: England's right-back farce leaves manager with one option
- ANALYSIS: The secret to Harry Kane’s greatness – and why this World Cup is different
Anthony Gordon on Harry Kane inspiration
19:30 , Jack Rathborn“You know what? As soon as he hit (the second goal), I knew it was going in,” Anthony Gordon said. “I was already celebrating.
“It’s more the consistency that he surprised me with. Anyone can score a good goal, anyone at this level can put the ball in the top corner.
“This is the consistency that he does it. Every day in training. Every game. He is phenomenal. He plays at such a high, high level.
“It’s amazing to be around him every day, because when you’re around someone at the elite level – he’s at the very, very top of football, he’s having a season that’s only ever been beaten by Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time. So that speaks to the level he’s playing at.
“When you’re around someone like that, you want to pick up as many habits and watch everything he does to see why he’s at that level.
“It’s no accident, like I said, there’s consistency every day, how hard he works, every finishing drill.
“He does it with passion, he does it with seriousness. He never ever messes about. So it’s amazing to be around him. He’s definitely an inspiration to all of us.”
Alan Shearer sends England warning over Harry Kane
19:00 , Jack RathbornFormer England captain and centre forward Alan Shearer told the BBC: "It wasn't a good performance and I've got the same concerns as I had in the previous two or three games about us defensively." Kane has once again shown why he remains among the world's elite forwards, capable of deciding matches by himself.
"There's not many centre forwards in the world can produce that piece of magic," Shearer said. "The way he `turns and swivels - and the balance is incredible. Then to get the direction and the power into the roof of the net - that was some strike." But knockout football has a way of exposing over-reliance on any one player. Opponents become stronger, margins become finer and, eventually, even the most reliable match-winners can be contained.
Keir Starmer confirms late opening times at pubs for Mexico v England
18:30 , Jack RathbornPubs across England and Wales will be able to stay open until 5am for the England v Mexico World Cup match that kicks off at 1am on Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced.
MPs had called for leeway beyond the 2am extended pub opening hours already in place for England matches during the tournament.
England will face Mexico in the last after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 on Wednesday but the next game in Mexico City begins at 1am BST and will not finish until after the previous extended hours provision.
The Prime Minister said: “Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to.
“Pubs staying open till the final whistle is good news for supporters and good news for the pubs and venues that bring our communities together.
“The whole country will be backing the team. Come on England!”
Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tie
18:01 , Luke BakerTickets for England’s last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at World Cup 2026 are selling for eye-watering prices up to $36,000 [£27,300].
The clash is rivalling the most expensive World Cup knockout fixtures ever after England battled to a 2-1 victory over DR Congo thanks to Harry Kane’s rescue act to set up a mouthwatering tie at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, at 1am BST on Monday.
Outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer is set to relax UK licensing laws to allow all pubs to stay open until the small hours on Monday morning should they wish but fans hoping to attend the fixture in Mexico face ludicrously high ticket prices on Fifa’s resale website.
Mexico v England tickets reach eye-watering £27,000 for World Cup last-16 tie
DR Congo head coach learned of father’s death hours before World Cup loss to England
17:30 , Jack RathbornDemocratic Republic of Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre received the devastating news of his father’s death just hours before his team’s World Cup Round of 32 clash against England.
Despite the personal tragedy, Desabre led his side to an agonisingly close defeat, nearly securing an upset victory.
The emotional revelation was made public at the conclusion of his post-match press conference, when the team’s media officer, Jerry Kalemo, said: "We announce that the coach has lost his father. Our sincere condolences."
Desabre, who will turn 50 next month, responded with a quizzical expression before simply saying "thank you”, a reaction that initially led to erroneous reports suggesting it was his first time hearing the news.
However, an official later clarified to Reuters that Desabre had been informed prior to the match in Atlanta.
DR Congo head coach learned of father’s death hours before World Cup loss to England
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
17:00 , Miguel DelaneyAround Thomas Tuchel’s squad, Jude Bellingham is now seen as having “matured”. How couldn’t he, when he’s already twice been a match-winner in England’s World Cup 2026 campaign?
Bellingham is stepping up in the way stars do.
Either way, the squad chemistry is very different to Euro 2024, when there was a lot of commentary about how the then-21-year-old had been absorbing the 10-part Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance.
Certain parallels with Jordan were clear. Here was a precocious attacking talent who wasn’t afraid to show he knows how good he is, but also to starkly tell teammates when they weren’t up to standard.
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
Education Secretary insists children should go to school after England game
16:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Education Secretary says schoolchildren could watch England’s early-morning World Cup match against Mexico on Monday and still make it to class after head coach Thomas Tuchel said pupils should be allowed “an excuse for school”.
Victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday set up a meeting with the co-hosts in Mexico City that will kick off at 1am BST, likely impacting the size of the television audience able to watch.
In the past it has been common for schools and employers to allow England games in the latter stages of major tournaments to be shown when they clash with working hours, but Monday’s kick-off in the small hours poses a unique obstacle.
However, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson does not believe watching the match necessarily means children need to miss school.
“It’s a late game, but children can be in school the next day,” she told the Press Association.
Asked if she believed children can both watch the game and still make it into school, she said: “Well, I think they can, yes, but it’s for parents to decide how they manage this, and of course, it depends on the age of your children, how they feel. But this is about decisions for individual families.”
Kyle Walker outlines stance on possible England return after Wayne Rooney’s World Cup claim
16:10 , Jack RathborKyle Walker has reiterated his stance over his England retirement despite a right-back headache for Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup 2026.
After Reece James’ injury, Tuchel has been forced to scramble for options, with Tino Livramento dropping out of the squad before the tournament with injury and centre-back Trevoh Chalobah preferred to Trent Alexander-Arnold as a replacement.
After Djed Spence struggled in the win over DR Congo, Declan Rice filled in at right-back, while Ezri Konsa also featured in stoppage time, meaning, alongside Jarell Quansah, England have now featured five separate right-backs in the tournament.
Walker outlines stance on possible England return after Rooney claim
Man City confirm deal to sign England star Elliot Anderson for club-record fee
15:50 , PAManchester City have secured the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the deal set to be formally completed once the player returns from the World Cup.
The 23-year-old, who is currently with the England squad preparing for a last-16 clash against Mexico, underwent his medical in Kansas, where the national team is based.
Man City confirm deal to sign England star Elliot Anderson for club-record fee
England fans set sights on Mexico City
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAre you heading for Mexico City? British Airways saw a 2,000 per cent spike in searches yesterday for flights from London to the Mexican capital – comparing levels at 5pm, with those at the final whistle – with the most significant numbers occurring during the final hour of the match, with a 530% increase between 6pm and 7pm, as England fans' confidence soared when Harry Kane scored his two match-winning goals.
England's win over DR Congo records huge viewing figures
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland's dramatic World Cup victory over DR Congo delivered the BBC's biggest live audience of 2026, with a peak audience of 16.3 million watching Harry Kane's late winner on BBC One and BBC iPlayer to send England into the Round of 16.
The match also averaged 14 million viewers and was the most-watched moment on the BBC this year.
Copa Independent | Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleOn the latest episode of Copa Independent, our World Cup podcast, Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney ask where Harry Kane’s talismanic double ranks in the pantheon of great England moments.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should start at right-back for England against Mexico?
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland’s right-back farce continues to leave Thomas Tuchel with one World Cup option
14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Tuchel’s prowess in knockout football helped persuade the FA to appoint him England manager. As his side stumbled then surged into the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, it is debateable if it was underlined against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tuchel may have been the catalyst for a comeback; with his substitutions, with his interventions at hydration breaks.
Yet the greatest evidence that Tuchel is the king of the knockouts was supplied by shutouts. In 2021, his Chelsea won the Champions League when conceding just twice in their last seven games. If his England can add the greatest prize in international football, it may have to come another way.
England squad farce leaves Tuchel with just one option for Mexico
40 years on at the Azteca
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s Maradona, the Hand of God and all that which England supporters will most remember about the Estadio Azteca – but they did actually win a game at the ground at the 1986 World Cup. It was a round of 16 tie, too, with Paraguay downed by a double from Gary Lineker either side of a Peter Beardsley goal.
That was the only non-Lineker goal of England’s tournament.
Ticket prices soar
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleEven if England fans can get to Mexico City, those without tickets already face paying a pretty penny to get their hands on one. A minimum of £2,600 will be required, according to Fifa’s official resale site – a bit dear!
What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleMaking the trip to Mexico City? Amelia Neath has some advice on how to stay safe and what to do while you are there:
What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City
England v DR Congo generates highest BBC live audience in 2026
12:58 , Jack RathbornEngland's World Cup win over DR Congo produced the BBC's biggest live audience of 2026, which peaked at 16.3 million on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The match also averaged 14 million viewers, also registering as the most-watched moment on the BBC this year.
The match resonated with an online audience, with 10.4 million streams across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.
England’s World Cup victory sparks record traffic on major UK mobile networks
12:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleMillions of fans streaming England’s World Cup victory against DR Congo during their evening commute triggered unprecedented surges in mobile traffic for the UK’s largest networks, new data has revealed.
Both EE and O2 registered new records during Wednesday evening’s Fifa men’s football match. The 5pm kick-off coincided with many people’s journey home from work, prompting widespread mobile viewing.
England win sparked record traffic on major UK mobile networks
England’s World Cup win gives economy welcome boost
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland's World Cup victory has helped provide a boost to the economy, with pubs, retailers and consumers all poised to benefit despite signs that business confidence remains under pressure.
Investors backed hospitality stocks as football fans headed to pubs to celebrate the Three Lions' success, while a sharp fall in oil prices is feeding through to cheaper petrol, lower mortgage rates and easing concerns over the wider economic impact of the Iran conflict.
England’s World Cup win gives economy welcome boost
Harry Kane’s place among the all-time World Cup top scorers
12:10 , Jack Rathborn1. Lionel Messi - 19
2. Kylian Mbappe - 18
3. Miroslav Klose - 16
4. Ronaldo Nazario - 15
5 Gerd Muller - 14
=6. Just Fontaine, Harry Kane - 13
8. Pele - 12
=9. Sandor Kocsis, Jurgen Klinsmann - 11
England’s best five penalty takers at the World Cup – and one player who probably shouldn’t take one
12:00 , Jack RathbornHere we go again. England are into the knockout rounds of a World Cup, and now the threat of penalties loom over every nerve-jangling game.
England’s relationship with shootouts was, for a long time, a tortured one. They were knocked out of Italia ‘90 by West Germany via the heartbreak of penalties, and suffered defeats by Argentina (1998) and Portugal (2006) in the same way.
The losing streak was finally lifted in 2018 when Gareth Southgate’s meticulous preparation paid off in England’s first-ever World Cup shootout win, against Colombia in the round of 16.
England’s best penalty takers at the World Cup – and one who shouldn’t step up
Beckham hails Harry Kane as ‘true leader’ after England win against DR Congo
11:50 , Jack RathbornEngland's dramatic 2-1 World Cup 2026 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked widespread celebration, with Sir Keir Starmer, Sir David Beckham and actor Ross Kemp among those taking to social media to laud the team's success.
The thrilling Wednesday fixture saw England stage a remarkable comeback, having been 1-0 down for the majority of the game.
Captain Harry Kane proved instrumental, scoring two crucial second-half goals, including a decisive header in the 75th minute, to secure the win.
Former England captain Sir David Beckham shared a photograph of Kane on his Instagram story, commenting: "Wow we needed our captain tonight."
World Cup 2026 power rankings
11:40 , Jack RathbornThe 2026 World Cup is storming towards the knockout stages after this year’s bumper 48-team tournament had its first culling.
After a build-up that centred on controversy, greed and conflict, fans have been captivated by some enthralling performances and disappointed by others, with the likes of France and holders Argentina stamping their marks as rightful favourites, while England, Portugal and Brazil have all made slight missteps.
But the group stage is only the beginning - history will be written on the road to the final, with 32 remaining teams now raring to sink their teeth into the drama of knockouts football.
World Cup 2026 power rankings: Argentina and France lead charge heading to knockouts
Thomas Tuchel warns England of 'big disadvantage'
11:29 , Jack RathbornThomas Tuchel has warned England they face a “big disadvantage” as they prepare to take on Mexico at the Azteca.
The round of 16 clash will be played at altitude in Mexico City, and England will have little time to acclimatise.
“I am just coming from this match and trying to enjoy, but it is maybe one of the most beautiful fixtures, most exciting fixtures than you can have,” Tuchel said.
“You play against Mexico in the Azteca, and there will be a lot, a lot, a lot of obstacles waiting for us.
“Not to mention the altitude will be, of course, a big disadvantage, because we cannot physically adapt to it in four days. It’s just impossible and more obstacles will maybe come.
“But we are ready for that, we need it maybe. We have the ideal platform now to genuinely believe that we are ready for that, and when the going gets tough, that we will find the answers.”
England handed Reece James injury boost ahead of Mexico World Cup tie
11:17 , Jack Rathborn“It’s OK,” Reece James tells David Ornstein of The Athletic on his injury. “I’m feeling good.”
In what could be a major boost for England ahead of the last 16 tie against Mexico, Thomas Tuchel could have a boost to his right-back headache.
Former England international recalls altitude test from Mexico '86
11:08 , Jack Rathborn“The late great Sir Bobby Robson took us there the year before to acclimatise, but you never really acclimatise,” ex-England international Peter Reid tells BBC Breakfast.
“It's above sea level and different, the sport science part of it, when you get there, it's different. The Mexican fans, they are crackers, the atmosphere will be unbelievable. It's difficult, your breath, it's harder to catch your breath.”
Thomas Tuchel backs 'shark' Harry Kane to keep up golden boot chase
11:00 , Jack RathbornThomas Tuchel praised England’s “shark” Harry Kane for smelling blood like fellow World Cup stars Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
The game’s best players have stepped up in eye-catching fashion during this summer’s tournament.
France forward Mbappe leads the race for the Golden Boot with six goals and two assists, but Argentina star Messi is also on six and Haaland is just one behind.Kane joined the Norway sharpshooter on five goals with his match-winning brace in England’s 2-1 World Cup round-of-32 comeback victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
England boss Tuchel said of the quartet: “They’re all sharks. They’re all sharks. If they smell blood, they come and score.”
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
10:50 , Jack Rathbornround Thomas Tuchel’s squad, Jude Bellingham is now seen as having “matured”. How couldn’t he, when he’s already twice been a match-winner in England’s World Cup 2026 campaign?
Bellingham is stepping up in the way stars do.
Either way, the squad chemistry is very different to Euro 2024, when there was a lot of commentary about how the then-21-year-old had been absorbing the 10-part Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance.
How Jude Bellingham became England’s very un-English superstar
England break 60-year World Cup curse against DR Congo to spark fresh hope
10:26 , Jack RathbornYesterday’s win might be more significant for England than first appeared – the last time they conceded the first goal in a World Cup game and came back to win was the 1966 final.
Kane’s double clinched just the second-ever time England have landed a win after an opponent broke the deadlock in a knockout tie, according to Fox Sports, with five draws and 17 defeats in the 25 matches.
England's right-back farce leaves manager with one option
10:21 , Jack RathbornThomas Tuchel’s prowess in knockout football helped persuade the FA to appoint him England manager. As his side stumbled then surged into the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, it is debateable if it was underlined against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tuchel may have been the catalyst for a comeback; with his substitutions, with his interventions at hydration breaks.
Yet the greatest evidence that Tuchel is the king of the knockouts was supplied by shutouts. In 2021, his Chelsea won the Champions League when conceding just twice in their last seven games. If his England can add the greatest prize in international football, it may have to come another way.
England’s right-back farce continues to leave Tuchel with one option
Incredible Kane justifies Tuchel decision but England have huge World Cup questions to answer
10:17 , Jack RathbornHarry Kane scored one of the great England goals to set up a grand World Cup occasion at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, but only after a general performance entirely unworthy of such descriptions, writes Miguel Delaney from Atlanta.
Thomas Tuchel’s side got away with one against a defiant and spirited Democratic Republic of Congo, but only after Kane let fly to remind everyone exactly why this entire team is built around him.
He is central to hopes that seem to dwindle with every display that actually moves England closer to the trophy.
Kane justifies Tuchel decision but England have huge World Cup questions to answer
England player ratings vs DR Congo as Harry Kane saves Three Lions inspires thrilling World Cup comeback
10:12 , Jack RathbornJordan Pickford 6
Should do better for the Brian Cipenga strike, as crisp as it was, as he’ll want to keep that out at the near post. Solid enough for the remainder of the game.
Djed Spence 5
Sucked in by Chancel Mbemba’s floated ball and failed to make contact, even if he had to cover to make up for his fellow defenders shuffling over too much, but then he struggled with Cipenga one-on-one in a tough afternoon’s work.
Ezri Konsa 5
Poor for the Wissa strike against the post as the Newcastle forward wriggled free and failed to bring organisation and a platform during a frantic first half.
England player ratings vs DR Congo as Kane saves Three Lions at World Cup
Thomas Tuchel makes England World Cup plea to parents: ‘Write an excuse for school’
10:06 , Jack Rathborn"I was happy to watch the first half and then it wasn't on, and I slept at 10 o'clock," Tuchel told reporters after England's win.
"Very unusual for me, but I have somehow a crazy early bedtime during this World Cup and I didn't see it. I saw the result, of course, and I saw that they didn't concede, and it will be a tough one."
Harry Kane on 'disadvantage' for England against Mexico
10:03 , Jack RathbornKane: "My understanding is we cannot adapt to the altitude. It's a huge advantage Mexico have. There's not enough time.
"We knew that before. It's just a disadvantage with which we will have to deal. But we showed the attitude."
The secret to Harry Kane’s greatness – and why this World Cup is different
10:00 , Jack RathbornAfter Harry Kane put it into the top corner, and the bottom corner, Declan Rice maybe put it best after a remarkable 2-1 win over DR Congo.
England’s striker, Rice said, is just “inevitable”.
Kane is as close to a guarantee as you can get. This is why the England team is almost entirely built around their captain, it’s why descriptions of “the Harry Kane team” aren’t a total exaggeration.
Just look at the range he displayed in this very game to inspire this first come-from-behind England win in a World Cup knockout match since 1966.
The secret to Harry Kane’s greatness – and why this World Cup is different
Daunting Mexico City test awaits England in last 16 of World Cup 2026
09:51 , Jack RathbornGood morning and welcome to the Independent's live build-up to England's last 16 tie with Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday night.
Harry Kane’s double rescued the Three Lions in Atlanta, but an entirely different test awaits against the co-hosts.
El Tri will have a cauldron of noise, plus the altitude and humidity providing wildcard factors that could hit Thomas Tuchel’s side’s hopes.
We’ll have reaction from the DR Congo victory and all the build-up to this Sunday’s game.
