England fans are now turning their focus to Mexico after the Three Lions made it to the last 16 of the World Cup thanks to two late goals from Harry Kane.
The skipper said he had his “hero moment” after his goals – in the 75th and 86th minutes – against the Democratic Republic of Congo rescued the national team at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Wednesday.
Brian Cipenga put DR Congo, known as the Leopards, ahead after seven minutes and England struggled to break down the African team whose goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made a string of magnificent saves.
After England’s nervy 2-1 win, the Prince of Wales, patron of the Football Association, posted a tongue-in-cheek tribute to England’s matchwinner, writing on Instagram along with a winking emoji: “Never in doubt… well done England! Onto the next! W.”
Thomas Tuchel’s side is now set to play against tournament co-hosts Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium, one of world football’s most famous venues, early on Monday.
It will be at altitude and in front of a passionate home crowd.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer signalled he believed England’s victory against the DR Congo could lead to the team winning the World Cup.
“It might actually be coming home,” the Prime Minister wrote on social media site X.
Former England captain Sir David Beckham shared a photograph of skipper Harry Kane on his Instagram story and said: “Wow we needed our captain tonight.”
He described Kane as a “true leader” and also praised the team for being “absolutely brilliant”.
He also shared a photograph of Kane and Bellingham celebrating with the caption “Brilliant performance from our captain”.
It might actually be coming home 🏴
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 1, 2026
After the win, as the fans in the stadium again serenaded the squad with a rendition of the Oasis hit, Wonderwall, the band’s front man, Liam Gallagher, posted: “Cmon England cmon Wonderwall”.
As the final whistle went, an Oasis coverband took to the stage in the Wembley Boxpark to belt out the Oasis anthem to relieved fans.
The rush hour in major cities was earlier than usual as supporters headed home from work early to watch the match, while mobile phone usage was up, suggesting others were streaming it on their commute.
Figures from location technology company TomTom indicate traffic in London and Birmingham was heavier than usual before the match as people rushed home to watch the 5pm kick-off, while the roads were unusually quiet during the game.
In London, the level of congestion at 4pm on Wednesday was 76%, compared with 73% at the same time on Tuesday, and by 6pm – mid-way through the match – it fell to 57%, down from 72% a day earlier.
In Birmingham, the figure at 4pm on Wednesday was 125%, compared with 100% on Tuesday, and it was just 53% at 6pm, down from 90% 24 hours earlier.
The figures reflect the proportion of additional time required for journeys compared with free-flow conditions.
After watching the game in Atlanta, Tony Woods, from St Helens, Merseyside, said he believed England will beat Mexico but admitted he is “worried” after seeing them play this week.
He the Press Association: “We struggled first half but once Harry got that one (goal), there was only one winner wasn’t there?”
“Do you know what, I watched Mexico last night and was a bit worried. But I just think we’ve got a bit of dog in us and we’ll do it.
“I wouldn’t say I’m not nervous, but I think we’ll do it 2-1 against Mexico, no problem.”