In briefEngland took a very nervous win over Congo DR after the Congolese got a surprise early goal away.The hard work fell to captain Harry Kane, putting two past the Congo DR keeper to save the day.Harry Kane has rescued England from a seismic World Cup shock, banking two late goals to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and secure a place in the World Cup Round of 16.After Brian Cipenga's early goal gave Congo DR an early lead, England escaped humiliation and what could have ranked among their worst-ever World Cup exits thanks to their talismanic captain.The defeat ended Congo DR's fairytale run on their return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.The Leopards had never even won a point or scored a goal at the World Cup until a few weeks ago, but had one of the tournament favourites teetering on the brink of elimination.News that makes senseYour trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.Head coach Thomas Tuchel made two changes from their victory over Panama as Declan Rice returned in midfield, while Djed Spence came in at right-back with Reece James and Jarell Quansah both ruled out through injury.The German coach's decision not to select more specialist right-back cover in a 26-man squad will face more scrutiny after Congo DR took the lead down that flank.Spence was caught under Chancel Mbemba's cross as the ball fell for Cipenga. The Almeria winger's shot was low and hard, but Jordan Pickford should still have kept it out at his near post.The vast majority of the nearly 70,000 crowd decked out in England red and white were silenced, while Tuchel's players were visibly rattled.Jude Bellingham was shown a yellow card for a late lunge and was then involved in a heated exchange with his coach during the mid-half hydration break.The stoppage in play at least allowed Tuchel the chance to restore order.Bellingham's powerful header from Declan Rice's cross finally forced Congo DR keeper Lionel Mpasi into action.Moments later, Marcus Rashford's powerful effort was blocked on the line by London-born Aaron Wan Bissaka after Noni Madueke's jinking run opened up the Congo DR defence.Yet it could have been even worse for England at the break.Yoane Wissa's three goals in the group stage fired his country to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, and the Newcastle striker had a golden chance to double the Congo DR lead but hit the outside of the post from point-blank range.At the other end, Kane was furious when he went down as he tried to round Mpasi, but the referee refused to point to the spot.Le Harve stopper Mpasi's inspired afternoon continued as he flew to his right to parry another bullet header from Bellingham and then denied Kane from a corner with the last action of the first half.After a bright start to the second period, England were beginning to run out of ideas until Tuchel brought his offensive weapons off the bench.Tuchel sent on Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze in search of an equaliser.And it was new Barcelona signing Gordon who provided the cross as Kane finally found a way past Mpasi with a downward header with 15 minutes left on the clock.Gordon also got the assist for the 86th-minute winner, but Kane did the hard work as he rifled a powerful drive into the roof of the net for his 84th international goal.The Three Lions will need to improve to face co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16 on Monday if they want to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament.Already England's all-time top goalscorer in the competition, Kane now has 13 World Cup goals and moves onto five for the tournament to remain in the star-studded battle for the Golden Boot.Source: SBS NewsFor the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.