Harry Kane was the hero for England as they came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup round of 32
Football supporters have demanded a knighthood for Harry Kane after the England captain rescued his country at the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions fell behind early in their round of 32 clash with the DR Congo on Wednesday evening, with Brian Cipenga finding the net after just seven minutes.
Thomas Tuchel’s side endured a laboured first half by all accounts, as they toiled to get back into the contest in Atlanta, Georgia.
Supporters felt aggrieved when Kane was refused a penalty midway through the opening 45 minutes, with referee Adham Makhadmeh awarding a free-kick to their African adversaries for simulation despite the England captain appearing to be felled by Lionel Mpasi inside the box.
Nevertheless, that controversy was swiftly overshadowed when Kane delivered when it mattered most in the latter stages of the fixture.
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The Bayern Munich striker powered home a commanding header with just 15 minutes remaining to drag England level, before completing the turnaround 86 minutes in with a thunderous strike from the centre of the penalty area.
Consequently, the Three Lions clinched a 2-1 victory on the evening, progressing to the round of 16 – where they will meet Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, July 6.
Following the DR Congo encounter, supporters were swift to heap praise upon Kane for his match-winning display, with some even suggesting he deserves a knighthood should England triumph this summer.
One supporter posted on social media: “We win this World Cup, give Harry Kane a knighthood IMMEDIATELY,” while another said: “From disappointment, to delight. The Harry Kane show. Estadio Azteca next! !”
A third quipped: “They should make Harry Kane prime minister he seems more committed to the UK (England),” while a fourth declared: “Hot Take: Harry Kane should win the Ballon d’or.”
This follows Kane reflecting on England’s performance against DR Congo, as well as what must improve ahead of their forthcoming clash against tournament co-hosts Mexico. He told the BBC: “Still things to work on.
“These rounds are about going through. This one and the next one, the next one, away in Mexico – against Mexico – we have to grind wins out.
“I told the boys to enjoy [full time]; sometimes as an England player, games you’re expected to win, you don’t celebrate as you should.
“We’re the same as every other nation, we’re through, but enjoy it – we’re at the World Cup. We’re fighting for every moment and little margin.
“I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy the moment with the fans, and we go again in four days. We spoke after the Croatia game, the subs making an impact, keeping the level higher.
“Over 90 minutes we’re tough to handle. Pleased for everyone involved, let’s keep it going.”
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Tuchel, meanwhile, reflected: “We kept believing. We had the worst start possible. First shot, first goal. Then, it became even more difficult. After the first water break, we were on top of the game.
“I think we should have had a penalty. The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. Well deserved, but we had to work a lot.
“We have to have that mindset if it is getting hard, it is getting hard, but don’t lose patience and don’t lose belief. The guy [Mpasi] was incredible the kind of saves he was making.”
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