ENGLAND’S 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the World Cup round of 32 made history for the Three Lions.
It became the first time England have come from behind in a World Cup game since 1966.
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Harry Kane’s brace was enough to end England’s 60 year curse Credit: Getty
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane celebrate as England overturn a 1-0 deficit Credit: Getty
What game was that? The one and only time England WON the World Cup when they came from behind to defeat West Germany 4-2.
DR Congo went ahead after just seven minutes when Brian Cipenga was left all alone at the back post to slot past Jordan Pickford.
England pressed hard after the first hydration break and created a slew of chances that Congo ‘keeper Lionel Mpasi repeatedly thwarted.
Harry Kane wanted a penalty in the dying minutes of the first half after Mpasi brought him down in the box, but the referee waved away his claims.
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While Congo remained dangerous on the break, England kept pressing in the second half and finally got the breakthrough when Kane headed home an Anthony Gordon cross on 75 minutes.
Gordon was the provider once again when he fed Kane just inside the box on 86 minutes and the Bayern Munich striker rolled his man and rifled an effort past a stranded Mpasi.
England found a way and bucked tradition in the process.
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IT’S A KNOCKOUT
The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up.
England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane on fire.
But the likes of France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.
Heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the Round of 32.
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A staggering 10 World Cups have passed for England since then. Prior to today, a crazy tally of 58 World Cup games had transpired without England coming from behind to win.
Thomas Tuchel‘s men are now set to take on one of the host nations in the last 16 on Monday at 1am UK time.
The Mexicans have looked good so far in this tournament and with the game taking place at their legendary Azteca Stadium – where Diego Maradona broke England hearts in 1986 – the deck is stacked against England.
But after England have now broken one curse, perhaps it’s time to banish the demons of the Azteca, too.
