Three things we learned: England vs Congo DR

England won 2-1 after Congo DR struck first, with Brian Cipenga scoring in the 7th minute from Chancel Mbemba’s pass. The response came late, but it was decisive: Harry Kane scored in the 75th and 86th minutes, both assisted by Anthony Gordon.

England’s changes mattered. Gordon came on for Marcus Rashford in the 61st minute and supplied both goals, while Bukayo Saka also entered then for Noni Madueke. Congo DR adjusted too, but England’s bench had the clearer impact on the score.

The underlying numbers backed England’s comeback. They had 60 percent possession, 16 shots to 7, and 7 shots on target to 2. The model gave England a 65 percent win chance, lower than the market’s 74 percent, but the result still followed the favourite.