World Cup: Tuchel reveals reason behind England comeback win against DR Congo

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England’s forward #09 Harry Kane celebrates with England’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match football between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 1, 2026. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)

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England coach Thomas Tuchel said his team had never stopped “believing” after making a terrible start in their come-from-behind World Cup win against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday.

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Brian Cipenga had fired the Congolese into a shock lead after seven minutes in Atlanta, but Harry Kane scored twice in the second half of a nervy contest to send England into a last-16 meeting with tournament co-hosts Mexico in the Estadio Azteca.

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“We kept believing. We had the worst start possible. First shot, first goal, Then, it became even more difficult,” said Tuchel.

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Kane was denied a first-half penalty after it appeared DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had tripped him.

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“After the first water break, we were on top of the game. I think we should have had a penalty,” Tuchel added.

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“The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. Well deserved, but we had to work a lot.

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“We have to have that mindset if it is getting hard, it is getting hard, but don’t lose patience and don’t lose belief.”

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Of Kane, Tuchel said admiringly: “He is getting better.”

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