Harry Kane spared England a World Cup disaster in Atlanta, and the roar carried more than 4,000 miles back to a tennis crowd in southwest London.
England beat DR Congo 2-1 in their Round of 32 tie at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, edging into the last 16 after a scare few saw coming. Brian Cipenga put the underdogs ahead early. For long stretches, one of the great humiliations in English football history looked possible.
Then Kane did what Kane does. Two late goals — an equaliser in the 75th minute and the winner 11 minutes later — turned dread into relief. The release was enormous, and it was felt everywhere England fans had gathered, including at Wimbledon.
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The winner came from the captain. It was a typical Kane goal — timing, contact, power. A spectacular strike.
Wimbledon is in full swing this week, with Centre Court crowds settling in for an afternoon of tennis just as England’s game reached its climax in the United States.
The two events collided in one clip circulating on X. A spectator among the Wimbledon crowd is seen streaming the goal on a phone, and the group around them erupts as Kane’s strike hits the net.
It was a narrow win, and the credit goes to Kane.
In knockout football the result is all that counts, and England have the result. But Thomas Tuchel will know his side rode their luck, and he needs more from them than late rescue jobs if the last 16 is not to be the end of the road.
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