Kane Reaches Pelé Milestone as England Stun DR Congo in World Cup Comeback

England's passage to the knockout stages came via a stirring second-half display on Wednesday, as Harry Kane proved the difference in a 2-1 victory over DR Congo at Atlanta Stadium. The Bayern Munich captain's brace erased an early setback and sparked wild speculation among the BBC's analyst team about his credentials for football's grandest individual honour.

The African outfit had shocked the Three Lions by taking the lead through Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute finish. England, however, showed the composure required at this level to fashion an equaliser through Kane's head in the 75th minute, with Anthony Gordon supplying the assist from the right flank.

The decisive moment arrived eleven minutes later when Gordon again proved instrumental, finding Kane at the edge of the box. The England skipper's finish—a powerful, accurate strike that evaded three defenders and left goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with no chance—sealed the comeback.

Alan Shearer, working the match for BBC One, was effusive in his praise for Kane's display. The former Newcastle striker highlighted the Bayern man's positioning and clinical finishing, noting that Kane's header represented his twelfth World Cup goal, drawing him level with Pelé. On the second goal, Shearer marvelled at Kane's audacity and execution, describing it as the work of a "killer marksman" who capitalised on the half-yard of space afforded to him.

Paul Robinson, watching from BBC Radio 5 Live's commentary box, went further still. The former Tottenham goalkeeper suggested Kane's performances this tournament make him the standout candidate for the Ballon d'Or, praising his willingness to take responsibility when the stakes are highest and his superior finishing in crucial moments.