Kane gives special mention to Messi, Ronaldo after iconic win over DR Congo

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In the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against DR Congo, England registered a stunning 2-1 victory at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.

During the match, England’s skipper Harry Kane registered two crucial goals in the 75th and 86th minutes of the game to help the English side surge into the round of 16 of the ongoing global showpiece.

Reflecting on his performance, the skipper spoke about the work that footballers do behind the scenes.

“That’s why you do all the work behind the scenes. The things that you guys don’t see when we are in training, when we are at home doing recovery, doing ice baths, doing treatment all the little details that make you be consistently at the highest level for as long as possible,” he told reporters after the match, according to DAZN Football.

He gave special mention to sport’s bigwigs Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have set the standards high.

“And you know, those guys, like Messi and Ronaldo, they’re at the pinnacle of that. So yeah, I’m fitting as well as I’ve ever felt, and ultimately, when I got onto the pitch, I know all the work I’ve done behind the scenes will make me ready for big moments. And that’s exactly what happened out there today,” added Kane.

FIFA World Cup 2026, England vs DR Congo: England’s records during the match

During the match, England achieved several records. This was the first time in history that England has won a FIFA World Cup match after trailing at half-time.

It was also the second time England has ever recovered from conceding first to win a World Cup knockout match (the first being the 1966 Final vs West Germany). Extended England’s unbeaten run against CAF (Confederation of African Football) opposition to 10 World Cup matches is the longest such streak in tournament history.

Anthony Gordon also became the first player since 1966 to provide two assists as a substitute in a World Cup knockout match.

Kane and Marcus Rashford made their 15th World Cup appearances during the match. This is the most by any England’s men’s outfield players.

Having 13 career World Cup goals, England’s skipper has officially surpassed Pele and drawn level with French legend Just Fontaine, climbing to joint-sixth on the tournament’s all-time top-scoring list. Additionally, the 32-year-old footballer also became the first England player to score five or more goals at two different FIFA World Cups.

(With ANI Inputs)

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