Kane's message after Congo win: 'Enjoy it like any other nation'
Synopsis
Harry Kane's post-match huddle after England's 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo revealed the captain at his most measured — telling teammates to celebrate like any nation would, while keeping eyes on the bigger prize. Anthony Gordon, the substitute who set up both goals, says Kane's presence in the box changed his decision-making entirely.
Key Takeaways
Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to seal a 2-1 comeback win for England over DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026 .
It was the first time in England's history they won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time, having previously drawn twice and lost seven times in such situations.
Anthony Gordon , introduced in the 61st minute , assisted both of Kane's goals.
Kane urged teammates to 'enjoy it like any other nation' despite the win not defining their tournament.
England will face Mexico in the round of 16 .
Anthony Gordon has revealed that Harry Kane gathered the England squad for a post-match huddle on the pitch in Atlanta and urged his teammates to savour their hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32, insisting the result did not define their tournament ambitions.
Kane's Comeback and the Historic Turnaround
Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes as the Three Lions came from behind to book their place in the last 16, where they will face Mexico. The win marked a historic first for England — never before had they won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time. In nine previous instances where they were behind at the break, England had drawn twice and lost seven times.
What Kane Said to His Teammates
After the final whistle, Kane addressed his squad before moving toward the supporters to join in the celebrations. According to Gordon, Kane struck a careful balance between ambition and gratitude. 'He was saying that this win doesn't define us; it doesn't win us the tournament, but enjoy it like any other nation,' Gordon was quoted as saying by England Football.
'Sometimes the bigger nations have a tendency not to celebrate properly because they want to go further and they have high expectations, but that shouldn't be the case. It's a win in the World Cup against a tough team and now we're in the round of 16,' Gordon added.
Gordon's Impact from the Bench
Gordon, 25, proved decisive after coming on as a substitute in the 61st minute, directly setting up both of Kane's goals. Despite his instrumental role in the turnaround, the winger was quick to deflect credit toward his captain.
'It's all about H (Kane), isn't it?' Gordon said. 'Without him, I probably don't make those decisions. For the cross, I probably would have shot normally, but as soon as I touched it I could just see him in there somewhere and I just thought put it in the area and he does the rest for both goals.'
What Comes Next for England
England now advance to the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will face Mexico. The manner of the victory — grinding out a comeback win against a physical DR Congo side — will be seen as a test of character, even if the performance leaves room for improvement. Kane's leadership on and off the pitch has emerged as a central thread in England's campaign narrative.
Point of View
What does that say about the starting XI's attacking output? England are through, but the performance will not silence the doubters heading into a last-16 tie against Mexico.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Harry Kane say to England players after the DR Congo win?
Kane gathered the squad in a post-match huddle and told them the win did not define their tournament but urged them to celebrate it as any nation would. He stressed that bigger nations sometimes fail to enjoy victories because of high expectations, and that this should not be the case.
How did England beat DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
England came from behind to win 2-1, with Kane scoring twice in the final 15 minutes. It was the first time in their history that England won a World Cup match after trailing at half-time.
What was Anthony Gordon's role in England's win over DR Congo?
Gordon came off the bench in the 61st minute and set up both of Kane's goals. He said Kane's presence in the penalty area influenced his decision-making, opting to cross rather than shoot on both occasions.
Who does England face in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup?
England will face Mexico in the round of 16 following their 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the round of 32.
What is the historical significance of England's win over DR Congo?
It was the first time England won a FIFA World Cup match after being behind at half-time. In nine previous instances where they trailed at the break in the tournament, they had drawn twice and lost seven times.
