Harry Kane He is on the brink of another milestone in his England career as he prepares to lead the Three Lions into their last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta.The England captain has scored three goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup, just one shy of equaling Sir Geoff Hurst’s four, which is the second-highest tally by an English player in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Only Lineker has scored six knockout goals for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
England’s historical goals in World Cup knockout rounds
| player | Knockout goal | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Lineker | 6 | The player with the highest number of goals in England’s World Cup knockout rounds |
| Sir Geoff Hurst | 4 | Best remembered for his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final |
| Harry Kane | 3 | Expected to tie Hurst in the round of 32 |
England vs Democratic Republic of Congo
England face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a must-win last-32 tie at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00pm local time (5:00pm BST / 9:30pm UTC).Thomas Tuchel’s side remain unbeaten at the top of Group L and head into the knockout stages. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo made history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, becoming the third-highest-ranked team in Group K. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the winner advancing to the last 16, while co-host Mexico awaits in Mexico City. England started with a 4-2 win over Croatia, then drew 0-0 with Ghana before beating Panama to secure top spot.
Predicted lineup
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guy, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.Democratic Republic of Congo (5-3-2): Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Baka, Masuaku; Pickel, Mutusami, Sadiki; Visa, Bakambu.
