Harry Kane Addresses What Happened at Half-Time During England’s Win Over DR Congo and Labels Three DR Congo Players ‘Disrespectful’

Harry Kane revealed that his half-time message to his England teammates was one of composure and resolve, as the Three Lions came from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in their World Cup last-32 clash. However, the England captain also voiced his frustration with the conduct of three DR Congo players, labelling their behaviour “disrespectful”  and revealed that one Congolese player’s comment at the interval had particularly angered him.

England found themselves trailing 1-0 after Brian Cipenga’s shock seventh-minute strike. The first half ended in further controversy when Kane was brought down by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi inside the box. Referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away penalty appeals and booked Kane for simulation, a decision upheld after a VAR check that left England’s players and staff incensed.

Former England striker Alan Shearer, commentating on the BBC, was adamant it should have been a spot-kick. “There’s contact, there’s no doubt. That for me is a penalty,” Shearer said. Wayne Rooney, however, offered a differing view, stating that Kane “trips himself and jumps into the goalkeeper.”

But it was what happened in the tunnel at half-time that truly ignited Kane’s fire. As the players walked off, Mpasi approached the England captain and made a comment that Kane described as crossing the line. “The statement the goalkeeper said, he can’t say those things. He doesn’t know me. He’s never met me. That’s what got me angry at halftime,” Kane revealed. “To call me that in that manner, that’s not okay.”

Sources close to the England camp suggested Mpasi had accused Kane of deliberately diving to cheat for the penalty a claim that clearly stung the England captain, who has built his reputation on honesty and fair play.

Despite the provocation, Kane insisted the dressing room did not panic during the interval. “We knew we had to stay calm. The early goal wasn’t part of the plan, but we’ve been here before,” the striker explained. “There was no panic. We knew the chances would come. The manager just told us to trust the process and be more ruthless in the final third.”

Kane led by example in the second half, heading home an equaliser in the 75th minute before smashing in a dramatic winner with five minutes remaining to secure England’s place in the last 16 against Mexico. His double saw him move past Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cups.

After the match, the England captain did not hold back in his criticism of DR Congo’s tactics. While acknowledging his side’s opponents were “a quick team” and “very disciplined,” Kane took aim at the conduct of three players — including Mpasi and two others — for their persistent time-wasting and attempts to influence the referee throughout the match.

“There were a few of their players who were constantly in the referee’s ear, trying to slow the game down at every opportunity,” Kane said. “It’s tough when you’re chasing a game and the opposition are doing everything they can to break up the rhythm. That kind of behaviour is disrespectful to the game and to us. We just focused on our own game, and thankfully, we got our reward.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel echoed his captain’s sentiments, praising his side’s mental resilience. “We showed great character to come back from that,” Tuchel said. “The penalty decision was harsh, and the provocation from their players was unnecessary, but my team kept their heads and found a way to win.”

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre defended his players, insisting the time-wasting was simply game management. “We were playing against one of the best teams in the world,” Desabre said. “We had to do what we could to protect our lead. I don’t think anything we did was disrespectful.”

Kane, however, was having none of it. “At the end of the day, the best response is on the pitch,” he said. “We scored two goals, we’re through, and that’s what matters.”

England now turn their attention to Mexico in the last 16, with Kane confident his side can go all the way. “We’ve got the squad, the quality, and now the belief,” he said. “We’ve handled adversity tonight, and that will only make us stronger.”

As for Mpasi’s comments, Kane offered a final word: “He can say what he wants. I’ve got two goals and a win. That’s all the answer I need.”