Never in doubt, was it? England are through to the last 16 in the World Cup, after a nail-biting 2-1 win over Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Despite trailing for the majority of the match, captain fantastic Harry Kane scored a late double to take the Three Lions through and avoid an almighty upset.
The victory was met with scenes of jubilation across the capital after thousands left work early to watch the games in the city’s pubs.
The moment Harry Kane scored the winner for England 🤩 pic.twitter.com/muKxeSflkE
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 1, 2026
Outgoing Primer Minister Sir Keir Starmer was one of the first to congratulate Thomas Tuchel’s men for getting through, posting on X: “It might actually be coming home.”
It might actually be coming home 🏴
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 1, 2026
Others were particularly thankful for England’s captain, grateful that he had dragged England through almost single-handedly.
The official England X account posted a picture of Kane along with the caption: “Because maybe, you’re going to be the one that saves me”, referring to the Oasis hit “Wonderwall” which has been one of the go-to songs for England fans following the team around the US this summer.
Football writer Barney Ronay also hinted at England’s reliance on their captain - posting: “The Democratic Republic of Harry Kane into the last 16 “.
As has become tradition during big England matches, Boxpark Croydon was packed out with hundreds of fans.
They went crazy when England scored the equaliser, and the beer-throwing antics were back when Kane netted the winner.
Boxpark erupts as Kane fires England into the Round of 16 🏴 pic.twitter.com/8Cdmr0mVqZ
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 1, 2026
Boxpark Wembley, a short walk from England’s iconic home stadium, was also full of happy fans at full time.
They were joined by many Harry Styles fans making a stop off at the venue to watch the Three Lions ahead of the former One Direction star’s concert at the stadium on Wednesday evening.
Earlier in the match, a sizeable number of DR Congo fans had been seen wildly celebrating on the streets of the capital.
DR CONGO FANS IN LONDON GO CRAZY AFTER GOING 1-0 UP VS. ENGLAND!! 😮😮😮 pic.twitter.com/H8yudIdemZ
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) July 1, 2026
After England’s late comeback, The Leopards will be heading home to Kinshasa, while the Three Lions move on to face hosts Mexico in Mexico City in the early hours of Monday morning.
