How Harry Kane's 'hero moment' lit up England in World Cup last-32 win against DR Congo - 'Best game of the tournament'

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Harry Kane said it was his turn to provide England with a "hero moment" after scoring a match-winning brace in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against DR Congo. Thomas Tuchel's side trailed by Brian Cipenga's early goal until 15 minutes from time, when Kane equalised from an Anthony Gordon cross.

Harry Kane celebrates

Image credit: Getty Images

The Bayern Munich striker then took his goal tally for this summer's tournament to five with a stunning finish, thumping a rocket beyond Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who had been in inspired form throughout the evening.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Kane said anyone in the England squad is capable of providing a "hero moment" - and that Wednesday night was his turn.

"It feels amazing to be honest," Kane said. "What a crazy game, first and foremost playing against a tough team, well organised team.

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"After the first hydration break, we upped the level, we looked good. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves in that first half, it was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock, our moments will come.

"We spoke about people having hero moments, it could be anyone in the team, whether it's me, a save from Pickers [Jordan Pickford], a block from the defenders, whoever it is, we have hero moments. For me, it was today."

It had been a largely frustrating evening for Tuchel's team, having been controversially denied a first-half penalty, and seeing their efforts rebuffed by Mpasi until Kane found the breakthrough.

The 32-year-old felt England showed an improved impetus after the first-half hydration break, but felt it was ultimately their best attacking showing of the tournament so far.

"You have to stay patient in these games, the last couple of games were very similar," Kane said. "When you get to knockout football the pressure is higher, the risk is higher.

"We spoke all week about just being ourselves. From an attacking point of view, it was probably our best game of the tournament so far. Still things to work on, for sure, but these rounds are just about getting through.

"The boss spoke about it before the game, this one and the next one are two difficult games for different reasons. The next one away in Mexico against Mexico, but we're in the part of the tournament you have to grind wins out, and that's what we did today."

Kane was seen rallying the huddled England squad following the full-time whistle, and revealed the message he relayed.

"I just told the boys to enjoy it, sometimes, as an England player, when you go through tough games like this as a player, games that you are expected to win, you don’t really celebrate how you should," Kane said.

"But we are the same as every other nation, we are through, so enjoy it. We are in a World Cup, fighting for every moment, every little margin, so I want the boys to enjoy it, enjoy it with the fans like we did, and we go again in four days."

High praise for Kane from Tuchel, Anderson

Both England head coach Tuchel and midfielder Elliot Anderson lauded Kane for his match-winning contribution.

"Big game player, we look to these players, and we’ll look to them in the next round too, but we build the foundation, and try and get them the ball, and they’ll do their stuff," Anderson said.

"We grew into the game, although the first 20 minutes we were poor, and then I thought from there actually we were quite good, just struggled to score. The keeper was amazing, fair play to him, and then the subs made a difference."

Tuchel, meanwhile, said he has come to "expect" such a seismic contribution from England's talisman.

"That’s what we expect from him, and that’s what he expects from himself, difficult matches, close matches, Harry is here to decide them," Tuchel said.

England's next assignment comes in Mexico City, as they face the co-hosts at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

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