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Harry Kane lifted England to victory once again on Wednesday, scoring a brace in its dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo to advance to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And as Kane notched his 83rd and 84th career international goals to help the Three Lions get the comeback victory, former England men’s national star Peter Crouch made a big proclamation about the star forward.

“It was genuinely unbelievable. When you’ve got world-class players like Harry Kane on your team, that’s what can happen,” Crouch said on FOX Sports’ “World Cup Now.” “It just felt like it wasn’t going to come for England, but when you’ve got a player like that, a world-class player, a finisher, a talentsman, England’s greatest player — I think you have to say [that] now. It was just such a magical finish — going away from goal, to get that type of power. Phenomenal.”

Kane’s first goal was a relatively simple header, leveling the match in the 75th minute off a cross from Anthony Gordon. But Kane’s second goal was practically a one-man job. In the 86th minute, Kane dribbled through a few DR Congo defenders along the edge of the box before firing a shot that squeezed in right under the crossbar. 

“When I see him with his back to the goal there, I was really, really used to him and I should’ve known better,” Crouch said. “I was telling him to go out wide and get into the box. There’s not many players that can swivel, turn and strike with that venom and power with their back to the goal.”

The second goal was Kane’s fifth of the tournament, putting him squarely in the mix to win Golden Boot of the tournament. He’s only one goal shy of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé for the most goals in this World Cup. 

But when it comes to England records, Kane has just about all of the major goalscoring ones. His 84 goals are 31 more than what Wayne Rooney scored, as the former Three Lions star has the second-most goals in the federation’s history. Kane also set the England record for the most goals scored in World Cup history on Saturday as he now has 13 goals in the tournament. 

As Kane continues to break or add to his records, Crouch thinks he’s undeniably becoming England’s best player ever and that he’s “got to be” a Ballon d’Or contender. 

“It’s the type of player that we’ll probably appreciate more when he’s not battling,” Crouch said. “We have this thing with players — who’s better, this or that — his record stands up. Since he’s been at Bayern Munich, he’s gone to a new level. He’s consistently scored goals. He’s breaking records. Lewandowski played there before him, he’s breaking his records. He’s breaking every England record that we have.”

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Former Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, meanwhile, wasn’t stunned by Kane’s game-winning contributions in England’s win. 

“I don’t know why you’re surprised. It’s Harry Kane. He is the man,” Schmeichel said. “I’ve been on the receiving end of a few of those. You can just never, ever write him off. The only time when I can probably remember is the game against Ghana when he missed. That’s probably the only chance I ever remember him missing in that kind of situation. Then, he comes up again for England.

“For me, Harry Kane’s the ultimate striker. There’s nothing about him that he can’t do. He’s not just a goalscorer, he’s a creator. Where would England be without Harry Kane?”

Former France star Thierry Henry was also in awe of Kane’s heroics on Wednesday, so much so that he was willing to toss aside the Arsenal-Tottenham rivalry and knight the England great. 

“For now, I’m going to call him ‘Sir Harry Kane’ because of what he’s done today,” Henry said on FOX Sports’ “World Cup Live.” “You guys were looking for answers. He was by himself the answer, and not only the goals.”

England Wins THRILLER 󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Thierry Henry on Kane’s Remarkable Brace vs DR Congo

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Both Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović each pointed out a specific play that Kane made beyond his goals that also contributed to England’s win in a major way, pointing to it as a reason why he’s more than just a star goalscorer. 

“In the first half, he ran back to be the full back to stop a counter and go on the other side to stop the counter and he almost finished it,” Henry said. “I don’t even know what to say anymore about Harry Kane. And you know, I’m not too much — with the Tottenham thing and the stuff with Arsenal — but for now, I’m going to call him ‘Sir Harry Kane.’

“This England, I’ll just say: Harry Kane,” Ibrahimović added. “He had two goals and the one run that Thierry said, that says everything about how much he means to this team. We talk about Messi with Argentina, France with Mbappé, but they’ve got other superstars, and [Erling] Haaland with Norway. But when it comes to England, it’s all about Harry Kane. 

“‘Sir Harry Kane’ is England, and the way he performed today, he needs to continue like that if England is going to have a chance.”

And as Kane put England on his back on Wednesday, Crouch compared him to the NFL player who is also considered to be the greatest of all-time.

“[Kane] loves the NFL. … Tom Brady’s his hero,” Crouch said. “This is something special. This will travel back home. I know we’re getting carried away — we’re playing Congo and we’re expected to win this — but it was the manner of the game. It was the way we lost control. It was the way we had to dig in. It was the way we had to play with a midfielder at right back. We had to make substitutions and still the same outcome with him scoring the goals.”

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Spain midfielder Gavi has delivered the ultimate compliment to his Barcelona and international team-mate Lamine Yamal, claiming the 18-year-old sensation is the finest player in world football when excluding Lionel Messi.

The duo are chasing World Cup glory, with Gavi backing the recovering winger to handle the immense pressure during their knockout campaign.

Building match sharpness

Yamal is carefully building his match sharpness after a hamstring injury disrupted his World Cup preparations. The Barcelona winger has gradually increased his playing time for Spain, featuring for 19 minutes against Cape Verde, 45 minutes in a goal-scoring display against Saudi Arabia, and 76 minutes against Uruguay.

Speaking during an interview with La Vanguardia, Gavi emphasised the sheer quality Yamal possesses, even when operating below peak physical condition. Gavi explained: “Perhaps he is not at 100 per cent yet. But Lamine at 70 per cent is already the best. When the matches go by, he will get better.”

Despite only being 18, Yamal has already amassed an astonishing list of accolades. The Golden Boy winner lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain and secured three La Liga titles with Barcelona.

Yamal even finished as the runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, placing just behind Ousmane Dembele. When asked if the teenager is the premier talent on the planet, Gavi offered a massive endorsement by placing him directly behind an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Lionel Messi aside, I see him as the best. And I will always go to the death with him, in the good times and the bad,” Gavi declared.

Navigating intense global pressure

The intense spotlight of a major tournament can easily overwhelm young players, but Yamal has consistently demonstrated remarkable maturity. Gavi admitted he continues to be amazed by how his colleague navigates global fame without breaking a sweat, having watched his profile skyrocket.

Gavi added: “Sometimes I tell him I don’t understand how he does it, because he never gets overwhelmed by people. If I were him, I’d find it incredibly difficult, and I’d get stressed out, but Lamine handles it all very well and seems completely unfazed. It’s a really great quality of his.”

What comes next for Spain?

Spain will now finalise their tactical preparations for the upcoming last-32 clash with Austria. Manager Luis de la Fuente faces a major selection headache regarding his midfield combination and whether Yamal is fit enough to complete a full match. The European giants must deliver a cohesive performance to advance further and keep their ultimate World Cup dreams alive.

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Baseball players proposed that optional assignments to the minor leagues be cut from a maximum of five per season to three, aimed at reducing roster churn that teams use for their bullpen back ends in an era when relief pitchers throw an increased portion of games.

During a bargaining session Wednesday with Major League Baseball, the union also asked that active rosters be increased to 28 from 26 during the first 15 days of each season, including a maximum of 14 pitchers that would be up from the current 13.

Players also proposed the 60-day injured list open at the time of the November tender deadline rather than the first day players can report to spring training. The change would allow teams to protect more players from the Rule 5 draft during the winter meetings because players on the 60-day IL do not count against the 40-man roster limit.

The union asked that MLB agree to accelerate eligibility for the Rule 5 Draft and to ensure the draft will be held this year, even if management locks out players after the current five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1.

It also wants pitchers to be credited with major league service time if they are optioned to the minors during the All-Star break or after a game in which they meet specified performance thresholds.

Players also want a guarantee of access to team performance and video data that is not proprietary.

Owners have proposed a salary cap for the first time since the 1994-95 strike that led to the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years.

While a lockout next winter is expected, talks are not likely to intensify until late February or early March 2027, when the possibility of losing regular-season games and revenue nears. If regular-season games are lost, negotiations may become a standoff over which side can tolerate the most financial loss.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who limped off the field at halftime during his team’s last World Cup match, has a thigh injury.

The Brazilian soccer confederation said Tuesday the 28-year-old Paquetá had a scan that revealed a muscle injury at the back of a thigh.

Per Fabrizio Ronmano, Paquetá will miss their round of 16 match due to the injury. Paquetá has started all four games for the Seleção this World Cup. 

Paquetá was replaced for the start of the second half in Monday’s comeback 2-1 win over Japan at Dallas Stadium. Brazil advanced to their 11th consecutive round of 16 match, and now face Norway on Sunday at New York/New Jersey Stadium. 

Paquetá has 13 goals in 67 international appearances for the Selecao. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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George Weah has dismissed comparisons between Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, insisting the Frenchman is ‘far superior’.

The former Ballon d’Or winner delivered a glowing assessment of the France captain as Les Bleus continue their charge at the 2026 World Cup.

Weah hails the French phenomenon

Mbappé continues to dominate the headlines at the 2026 World Cup, and his performances have earned the highest praise from one of the game’s greatest ever strikers. Weah, the 1995 Ballon d’Or winner, was in attendance at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to watch the France captain dismantle Sweden with a clinical brace in a 3-0 victory.

Speaking to the Spanish television show El Chiringuito, the former AC Milan and PSG legend expressed his awe at the 27-year-old’s talent. “He’s a phenomenon,” Weah stated. “He’s truly a very good player and a very good goalscorer.”

Mbappé is ‘far superior’ than Yamal, claims Weah

While the footballing world has been captivated by the rise of 18-year-old Yamal, Weah was quick to shut down any suggestions that the Barcelona youngster is currently on Mbappé’s level. Despite Yamal’s confidence, having recently claimed that France is “not better” than Spain, the Liberian icon believes there is still a significant gulf between the two stars.

“Well, Lamine Yamal is just a young boy, as you know. You shouldn’t compare him to Mbappé,” Weah said when asked about the two generational talents. “Mbappé is a phenomenon, while Lamine is still developing and growing. All I hope is that Lamine continues on his path. But you can’t compare him to Mbappé. Everyone knows that Mbappé is far superior.”

The hunt for the Golden Boot

Mbappé’s relentless pursuit of greatness is evidenced by his current standing in the tournament’s scoring charts. With six goals already in this edition, the France captain is locked in a neck-and-neck race for the Golden Boot with Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. His performance against Sweden was almost a hat-trick, with the forward striking the post and seeing another effort chalked off for offside in what was a truly dominant individual display.

Having now reached 18 goals across his World Cup career, Mbappé trails just one behind Messi, who currently stands as the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer. With both superstars still actively driving their teams forward in the current tournament, this historic race for the ultimate goalscoring crown is playing out in real-time. For Weah, it is precisely this level of elite, sustained production that separates established world-class icons from a developing prospect like Yamal.

A potential clash of the titans looms

Spain and France are on a collision course that could see them meet in the semi-finals, providing the perfect backdrop for Yamal to test his theory that the French side are not “impossible to beat.” For now, Mbappé remains the man to beat. Real Madrid’s turbulent season has done nothing to blunt his international edge, and with the backing of legends like Weah, the pressure remains on his rivals to prove they belong in the same conversation.

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Bayern Munich have officially announced the signing of Morocco international Ismael Saibari from PSV in a major summer deal.

The 25-year-old forward, who is currently enjoying a sensational, ongoing standout campaign at the World Cup, joins the German giants on a long-term contract following his success in the Eredivisie.

Kompany lands major attacking target

The Bundesliga heavyweights have moved decisively to secure one of the most coveted talents in European football. Saibari has put pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2031, tying his long-term future to the Allianz Arena.

Explaining the move on Bayern’s official website, board member for sport Max Eberl said: “We’re delighted to have secured the services of Ismael Saibari, one of the most exciting forwards at the World Cup. Transfers like this don’t happen on the spur of the moment but are the result of long-term planning: the key factor was that we made our position clear to him early on because we were aware of Ismael’s skills and were able to show him a clear future with us from the start. Ismael Saibari will bring extra quality and unpredictability to our attacking play.

Big-money fee for Eredivisie star

While Bayern did not officially disclose the transfer fee, the deal represents a significant investment in the squad. According to Bild, the fixed fee is in the region of €50m and could rise to €52m with performance-related bonuses. This puts the Moroccan among the most expensive signings in the club’s history alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Matthijs de Ligt.

Sporting director Christoph Freund highlighted the player’s pedigree, stating: “Ismael Saibari has won the Dutch championship title with Eindhoven three times in a row, he has Champions League experience and is now demonstrating how valuable he can be for a team at the World Cup, at the highest level. He’s versatile, intense and bold in his play, he has the hunger we want to see at FC Bayern and his goal threat and mentality will boost the team. Fans flock to the stadium for players like him.”

World Cup heroics and PSV success

Saibari arrives in Munich following a trophy-laden spell in the Netherlands. During his time with PSV, he recorded 42 goals and 29 assists, helping the club to three league titles and being named the Dutch Footballer of the Year in his final season in Eindhoven. His form has translated to the international stage, where he has been instrumental for Morocco during their current World Cup campaign in North America.

The forward has already left his mark on the tournament, scoring against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Most notably, he converted the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over the Netherlands in the round of 16. With 34 appearances and 12 goals for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations winners, Saibari is widely considered one of the most clinical finishers emerging from the continent.

Saibari reveals Kompany influence

The player himself admitted that the chance to work under Kompany was a major factor in his decision to move to the Bundesliga. “As a child, you dream of signing a contract with a club like FC Bayern – everybody knows it’s one of the world’s biggest clubs,” Saibari said. “FC Bayern compete for the biggest titles like the Champions League every year, and I want to win as many trophies as possible here. FC Bayern’s play suits me, I can play my own style of football here, and I’ll work hard every day to help the team. Coach Vincent Kompany played a key role in my decision – I’m looking forward to working with him.”

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Erling Haaland has admitted that Norway face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup dream alive after setting up a daunting round of 16 clash against Brazil.

Despite Norway winning three of their four games at the tournament to date, the Manchester City superstar is refusing to get carried away as the Scandinavians prepare to face one of the favourites.

Haaland’s realistic outlook for knockout stage

Norway secured their place following a dramatic 2-1 round of 32 victory over the Ivory Coast. Haaland was once again the hero, netting the decisive goal in the 86th minute after being played through by Patrick Berg. However, rather than basking in the glory of their progression, the prolific striker was quick to manage expectations regarding their next opponent.

Speaking to television cameras immediately after the final whistle, Haaland adopted a cautious tone when discussing the challenge that lies ahead. “We’re going to the round of 16, there will be excellent teams. It won’t be easy, we have to be realistic. I don’t know if we’ll make it. We’ve prepared a lot and we’re still very prepared,” he said. When pressed specifically on how he rated Norway’s chances of eliminating Brazil, Haaland replied bluntly: “Uh…very slim.”

Chasing Messi and Mbappe in the Golden Boot race

The Man City talisman is currently enjoying a fine tournament, proving that his club form translates perfectly to the global stage. His winning strike against Ivory Coast was his fifth of the competition, placing him just one goal behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. Haaland’s efficiency is particularly striking given his lack of prior World Cup experience.

Statistically, Haaland continues to operate at a level rarely seen in international football. He has now reached 60 goals in just 53 appearances for his country, making him the fastest active player to reach that milestone. To put that into perspective, Mbappe required 100 caps to hit 60 goals, while Messi needed 122.

Odegaard offers a more optimistic vision

While Haaland was playing the role of the realist, Norway captain Martin Odegaard was slightly more bullish about their prospects. The Arsenal playmaker, who acted as the master of ceremonies during post-match celebrations by leading the fans in the ‘Viking clap,’ believes that the unpredictable nature of the tournament could work in their favour. Odegaard urged his team-mates to embrace the underdog status.

“It will be a difficult match, but in football anything is possible. We want to keep dreaming, keep enjoying ourselves, let’s give it a try. We’ll see how long we can keep dreaming. Let’s prepare well and enjoy the moment,” Odegaard told reporters in the mixed zone.

Acknowledging Brazil’s strengths

Odegaard acknowledged the individual quality within the Brazilian ranks, noting his familiarity with club team-mates Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes: “They have a great team, several excellent players, I know them from Arsenal, they are top-level players.”

Norway and Brazil will face off at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

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The comeback is complete, and the Three Lions are moving on. England defeated DR Congo 2-1 to advance to the round of 16 against Mexico. Trailing 1-0 until the 75th minute, star striker Harry Kane found the net twice to keep their tournament run alive. 

Kane nodded to the talent that DR Congo and their keeper brought to the pitch, but a post-hydration break surge was a big factor in their win. 

“It was amazing, to be honest. It was a crazy game. First and foremost, (DR Congo’s) a tough team,” Kane said after the win. “(We were) going behind, but I thought that after that first hydration break we upped the level, we looked good. I mean their keeper made some unbelievable saves in that first half.”

An early goal from midfielder Brian Cipenga and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s five total saves kept DR Congo in the game. But a pair of goals from Kane was no match for a DR Congo upset.

England’s tournament campaign brings high stakes, with sights set on their first World Cup title since 1930. In coach Thomas Tuchel’s first World Cup, England has been a candidate to make a convincing run. The Three Lions most recently reached the semifinals in 2018, but fell 2-1 to Croatia. 

Kane also spoke about the mentality that the Three Lions had when they needed to make something happen — pound the rock and hero moments. 

“It was just about pounding the rock, keep pounding the rock, and our moments will come. We spoke about people having hero moments; it could be anyone on the team,” Kane said. “Whether it’s me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is, we have hero moments. And for me, it was a day.”

In terms of heroes, Kane, who is England’s all-time World Cup goalscorer with 13 total goals, has been a force in the attack and continues to deliver. Through four games, Kane has recorded five total goals and is in a tight Golden Boot race, next to Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé. 

The Three Lions move on to face Mexico in the round of 16 at Mexico City Stadium on July 5. 

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Lionel Mpasi blocked shots with his right hand, his left hand and even took one a bit below the belt.

At one point, England midfielder Jude Bellingham gave him a hug of respect with Mpasi sprawled on the World Cup turf, the ball safely in his grasp.

In the end, though, the Congo goalkeeper couldn’t stop Harry Kane.

The England striker scored two late goals, the winner in the 86th minute, to prevent the upstart team from Africa from pulling off one of the greatest shockers in World Cup history.

England is moving on to the round of 16 after a 2-1 victory on Wednesday, while Mpasi will have to console himself with one of the great defensive performances in a tournament filled with stellar play from the keepers.

“I offered my body to science,” he said through a translator, managing a wry smile. “But we knew Harry Kane is a super striker and that we had to center on him. Too bad that twice we paid a little less attention to him.”

Indeed, the Congolese couldn’t hold off one of the world’s most dangerous goalscorers.

Still, it didn’t diminish what Mpasi and his teammates nearly pulled off.

“It is my job to help the team and make saves,” Mpasi said in French. “Happily, I was able to make some during the game. I would have loved to save the two that turned into goals.”

Already, this was a historic tournament for a country whose only other World Cup appearance came in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire. That was a quick three-and-out, the squad failing to even score a goal in its defeats — the most embarrassing of them a 9-0 blowout by Yugoslavia.

There was nothing to be ashamed about at its second World Cup.

England vs DR Congo Extended Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32

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Much of the credit should go to the 31-year-old Mpasi, who plays club soccer in his native France but represents the country of his parent’s birth internationally, a nation best known in sports circles for Muhammad Ali’s “Rumble in the Jungle” upset of George Foreman in 1974.

While a round of 32 victory over England wouldn’t have been as impactful as that landmark heavyweight bout, it showcased a country — and a keeper — eager to make their mark on the international scene.

“I’m just proud — proud of my country, proud of my team,” Mpasi said. “We fight until the end of the game.”

He finished with five saves, the most painful of them coming near the end of the first half when he flung his body in front of a shot by Kane off a cross at the right post — appearing to take a ball somewhere between, uh, his waist and upper thigh.

“He made some incredible saves,” Kane said. “It looked like it was going to be one of those days.”

It was reminiscent of Mpasi’s performance in a group game against Colombia, when he blocked eight shots in a 1-0 setback to the South American powerhouse.

“He’s been phenomenal for us all tournament, especially the game against Columbia. He really kept us in the game,” Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe said. “Credit to him, the work he puts in, and just the togetherness that we have as a group. We’ve been together for a while now and the relationship is there, and the communication is there. I just look forward to playing with him and having my back for many more games.”

Mpasi, too, looks forward to using this tournament as a building block for Congo soccer.

“I am filled with pride in how we represented Congo,” he said. “We fought with all we had, but unfortunately. it didn’t work out. Now, we will rest and then work hard to make sure we can do things like this again.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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Harry Kane delivered for England once again, not that any of his teammates doubted he would.

Even though England trailed for the opening 75 minutes of its round of 32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday, Kane remained confident. While big names like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have garnered most of the headlines, Kane has quietly been playing at the top of his game.

That was clear on Wednesday, as the 6-foot-2 forward came up big when England needed it most with a pair of late goals to solidify a 2-1 win and send England to the round of 16 to face Mexico in Mexico City.

Kane said the key to playing at the highest level is bringing consistency to everyday training.

“That’s why you do all the work from behind the scenes, you know, the things that you guys don’t see when we’re training, when we’re at home doing recovery, doing ice baths, treatment, all the little details that make you be consistently at the highest level for as long as possible,” Kane said. “Guys like Messi, they’re the pinnacle of that.”

DR Congo gave England all it could handle, but substitute Anthony Gordon, who assisted both goals, never had a doubt.

“I never thought they were going to beat us. I knew we would win because I trust everyone on our pitch, and I know how hard we’re working and training,” Gordon said after the game. “We play the way we train, and we play hard … I just tried to be direct, tried to make [DR Congo] more tired, and give the ball to ‘H.’”

Kane’s goals were his fourth and fifth of the tournament, upping his total to 13 as England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer. His teammates needed everything he had on Wednesday.

Gordon lifted a cross from the left, which Kane headed past Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi for England’s first goal of the day. Just over 10 minutes later, Gordon found Kane a second time at the edge of the box, where he sent his shot into the top corner of the net.

Gordon started celebrating as soon as it left Kane’s foot.

England’s Harry Kane Scores CLUTCH Second Half Brace, Completing Comeback vs DR Congo

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“As soon as he hit it, it was golden. I was already celebrating,” Gordon said. “Anyone can score a good goal, anyone at this level can put the ball in the top corner. It’s the consistency that he does it every day, training every game, is phenomenal. He plays at such a high, high level.”

Sixteen years into his professional career, Kane is beaming with confidence as England looks ahead to a challenging match in the Round of 16.

“I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt, and ultimately, when I get onto the pitch, I know all the work I’ve done behind the scenes will make me ready for big moments, he said. “That’s exactly what happened out there today.”

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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