Harry Kane is on the brink of another milestone in his England career as he prepares to lead the Three Lions into their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash against DR Congo in Atlanta.The England captain has scored three goals in World Cup knockout matches and is just one strike away from equaling Sir Geoff Hurst’s four, the second most by an England player in the knockout stages of the tournament. Only Gary Lineker, with six knockout goals, has scored more for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
England’s all-time World Cup knockout goals
| Players: | Knockout Goals: | Achievements: |
|---|---|---|
| Gary Lineker | 6:00 | England is the highest scorer in World Cup knockout matches |
| Sir Geoff Hurst | 4: | Best remembered for his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final |
| Harry Kane | 3: | Hurst could level in the Round of 32 |
England vs DR Congo
England take on DR Congo in a must-win Round of 32 encounter at the Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM local time (5:00 PM BST / 9:30 PM IST).Thomas Tuchel’s side advanced to the knockout stage after finishing unbeaten at the top of Group L. DR Congo, on the other hand, have scripted history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, advancing as the highest-ranked third-place team from Group K. The stakes could not be higher, with the winner booking a place in the Round of 16 in Mexico, where Mexico City awaits. England started their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia and then drew 0-0 with Ghana before sealing top spot with victory over Panama.
Predicted Lineups:
England (4-2-3-1). Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Then, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane:DR Congo (5-3-2). Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Baka, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Wissa, Bakambu.