LIVE: England secure 2-1 win over DR Congo as two Harry Kane goals see Three Lions sail through to Round of 16

Thomas Tuchel says he expects a "similar kind of game" in Atlanta to that played by Ghana more than a week ago

1 Jul 2026, 15:24 | Updated: 12d ago

Want LBC stories before everyone else? Set us as your Preferred Source on Google

England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match at Atlanta Stadium. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

England fans have gathered in Atlanta ahead of the Three Lions' must-win World Cup tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Loading audio...

Fans draped in the St George flag descended on the US city on Wednesday, with hope in their hearts ahead of tonight's knock-out game.

While back home many skipped work early to head home or to the pub ahead of the teatime clash.

As many as 28million pints are tipped to be knocked back, with viewing figures of 15million also predicted in the largest teatime TV audience for five years.

England's starting line-up is largely as expected, with the exception of Noni Madueke stepping in to start in place of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Djed Spence starting at right back.

England Head Coach Thomas Tuchel has already said he expects a "similar kind of game" to that played by Ghana more than a week ago.

“They’re very dangerous in counterattacks, very direct in their approach and not shy to play long balls into the depths to make it a running game and a game of second balls," Tuchel said on Wednesday.

It comes as some fans have reportedly already booked flights to Mexico despite needing to beat DR Congo to get there.

Follow live for all the updates as England takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

That's all for tonight, folks!

Thanks for tuning in - for a round-up of tonight's action, head to our homepage.

Read in full - England come from behind to secure 2-1 win over DR Congo

England fans in Atlanta celebrate

The stands are alive with the sound of England supporters.

There's a real sense that football might just be 'coming home'.

England fans celebrate

Tuchel hugs Kane after the win

England fans celebrate the win

Harry Kane celebrates after the final whistle

Baddiel & Skinner's Three Lions anthem sounds around Atlanta Stadium

It's a night of celebration for England fans - as DR Congo supporters hang their heads.

'It's coming home' can be heard echoing around Atlanta Stadium as a relieved looking England celebrate.

Harry Kane really came into his own in those closing minutes, showing precisely why he's the man for the captaincy.

FULL TIME!

England is through to the next round after a close 2-1 win.

The crowd has erupted in celebration after Harry Kane's two goals got the Three Lions narrowly over the line in Atlanta.

DR Congo free kick just inches from the penalty box

Uh oh.. Bellingham gives away a free kick on the edge of the box.

Wissa lines up to take it.

6 minutes of injury time

Just 6 minutes until, all goes well, England progress to the next round.

But they are hanging on to a narrow 2-1 lead as DR Congo go on the attack.

SUBSTITION

Stones has come on for Rice.

Free kick for DR Congo

DR Congo have a free kick in a dangerous spot in a nail biting last few minutes.

SUBSTITUTION

Wissa comes off for Musauku for DR Congo.