Harry Kane is England's Pele: The best who ever did it

Where would England be without Harry Kane? Time and time again England fall behind in big games – this was the sixth consecutive knockout game in a major tournament where the Three Lions conceded the first goal. Time and time again they look for a hero.

After a poor Euro 2024, where he was clearly struggling with a back injury, Kane is king again. God save him.

Kane was not alone in saving England against DR Congo. Anthony Gordon made two assists from the bench, Jude Bellingham's running kept the attacking machine alive, Declan Rice's appearance at right-back provided his moments.

But with his second goal from inside the penalty area high into the top corner of the net, a goal that surprised the nation – and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi – Kane confirmed that he possesses something no one else in the team can do.

To be a match-winner. To win the game.

“That’s what we expect from him!” said Thomas Tuchel. “That’s what he expects from himself.

“Tough games, close games – Harry is here to decide them. Top level.”

This was Kane's 13th World Cup goal, surpassing Pele in the all-time rankings. Kane is England's Pele – the best who ever did it.

And next to him in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot are the best who have ever done it in world football.

Lionel Messi. Erling Haaland. Kylian Mbappe. Ousmane Dembele. Vinicius Junior. All of them are worthy of the Ballon d'Or – and Kane has now entered that conversation.

His two strikes against Congo took him to five goals at this World Cup – 72 for club and country in a phenomenal season.

But this was a very different game, one Kane is not used to. Usually so involved in the game as a player who likes to drop deep, Kane was quite anonymous for most of this match.

In the first 35 minutes of the game, he had only five touches of the ball. His first shot came after 34 minutes – and he had only two before he scored his winning double.

Yet, he still provided those magical moments. Even in the first half, when England were struggling, he still ran to win a penalty claim for England – which surely would have been given on another day.

Having very few touches but still delivering is very Haaland. How many times has the Manchester City and Norway striker barely been involved but still crossed the finish line? The number is unknown – but the most recent time was this week when he did it for Norway against Ivory Coast.

The difference is that Haaland is in the prime of his career, while Kane is showing that he is still playing at this level as he turns 33.

And despite all the games and goals, he looks the freshest of his career – one who can go on until the very end. “I feel as good as ever,” Kane said.

This is a special player – one who has defined a whole generation in England. How many special England moments from your life is Kane responsible for?

“If you say England’s greatest player of all time. Bobby Charlton and a few others are there,” Gary Neville said.

“When you say striker, 100 percent. That puts him above incredible players like Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Jimmy Greaves. He is the best.”

Only turning summer into gold through World Cup glory would earn Kane the Ballon d'Or, but if their captain is available – England have every chance.

“These are the experiences that give you real belief,” Tuchel added after the win over Congo. The England manager was talking about his team crossing the finish line. But really, he should have been talking about Kane.

He holds the key to World Cup glory. Given that Mexico will cause more anxiety at the altitude of the Azteca, these England players will once again look to Kane.