​Harry Kane once again delivered for England, a predictable outcome in the eyes of his teammates. Despite England trailing for the first 75 minutes of their Round of 32 clash with Congo, Kane stayed confident. While Messi and Mbappé have dominated headlines, Kane has quietly been performing at the highest level, and on Wednesday he proved it with two late goals that sealed a 2-1 victory and sent England into the Round of 16 to meet Mexico in Mexico City.
Kane stressed that the secret to competing at the game’s peak is maintaining consistency in daily routines, pointing to the behind-the-scenes work, from training to recovery, ice baths, and treatment, that keeps him performing at the highest level for as long as possible. He singled out players like Messi as the standard-bearers for that level of consistency.
Congo pushed England hard, but substitute Anthony Gordon—who assisted both goals—never doubted the outcome. “I never thought they were going to beat us. I trust everyone on our pitch and 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, to tire Congo, and to give the ball to H.” Kane’s goals were his fourth and fifth of the tournament, upping his World Cup total to 13 and making him England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer. His teammates leaned on him when they needed him most.
Gordon delivered the cross that Kane headed past Congo’s Lionel Mpasi for England’s opener, and a little over 10 minutes later Gordon found Kane at the edge of the box, with Kane firing into the top corner. Gordon celebrated immediately after the ball left Kane’s foot, saying, “As soon as he hit it, it was golden.” He added that while any player can score a good goal, it’s Kane’s daily consistency—training, performance, and mindset—that elevates him to the level of the game’s elite.
Sixteen years into his professional career, Kane spoke with growing confidence about England’s prospects in the Round of 16. “I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt,” he said, “and I know that all the work I’ve done behind the scenes will prepare me for big moments, and today showed that.”