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:
Education Secretary insists children should go to school after England game
The 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
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.
Man City confirm deal to sign England star Elliot Anderson for club-record fee
Manchester 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.
England fans set sights on Mexico City
Are 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
England’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?
On 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?
England’s right-back farce continues to leave Thomas Tuchel with one World Cup option
Thomas 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.
40 years on at the Azteca
It’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
Even 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!
