England survive major scare to reach World Cup last 16 after 2-1 comeback win in Atlanta

ENGLAND survived a major World Cup scare as two late Harry Kane goals rescued a 2-1 victory over DR Congo and sent Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last 16.

The Three Lions looked to be heading for one of the shocks of the tournament after Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo into a seventh-minute lead at Atlanta Stadium. England were ragged defensively, slow to settle, and repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined Congolese side who defended with energy and carried a real threat on the break.

But Kane, so often England’s answer on the biggest stage, turned the tie around in the final 15 minutes. The captain headed in from substitute Anthony Gordon’s cross on 75 minutes before driving home a superb winner four minutes from time to spare England from an early knockout exit.

DR Congo, playing with freedom and belief, stunned England almost from the first whistle. Cipenga found space on the left and beat Jordan Pickford at the near post with a powerful right-footed finish, giving the African side a dream start and leaving England chasing the game.

England responded with pressure but little composure. Jude Bellingham forced a fine save from Lionel Mpasi, Marcus Rashford saw an effort cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Kane was denied as DR Congo’s goalkeeper produced a series of impressive stops.

The warning signs remained at the other end. Yoane Wissa came close to doubling DR Congo’s lead before half-time, steering a dangerous cross against the post as England’s defence again looked vulnerable.

Tuchel turned to his bench after the break, and the introduction of Gordon helped change the rhythm of the match. England began to stretch DR Congo wider, and the equaliser finally arrived when Kane peeled away inside the box and powered a header beyond Mpasi.

With extra-time looming, Kane delivered again. Collecting the ball near the edge of the area, he shifted across the Congolese defence and unleashed a fierce strike to complete the comeback and move England into the next round.

DR Congo were left devastated after a performance full of courage, organisation and attacking ambition. They had pushed one of the tournament favourites to the brink and, for long periods, looked capable of producing a famous upset.

England, however, march on. Tuchel will know his side cannot afford another slow start, particularly with co-hosts Mexico waiting in Mexico City. But on a day when England’s World Cup hopes were seriously tested, Kane once again provided the decisive answer.

England will face Mexico in the round of 16, with the match due to kick off at 1am UK time on Monday, July 6.

THE CYCLING leg of Long Course Weekend brought colour, effort and plenty of smiles to the roads around Carew on Saturday, as riders powered their way past one of Pembrokeshire’s most recognisable landmarks.

With Carew Castle standing proudly in the background, competitors tackled the climb through the village in warm summer conditions, cheered on by spectators and watched by visitors enjoying one of the county’s busiest sporting weekends.

The pictures, taken by Malcolm Richards Photography for The Herald, capture the spirit of the day: determined faces on the steep sections, thumbs-up for the camera, club colours from across Wales and beyond, and plenty of riders still smiling despite the miles in their legs.

The cycling event is one of the centrepieces of Long Course Weekend, taking athletes through some of Pembrokeshire’s most scenic and demanding roads. From coastal views to countryside climbs, it is a route that tests endurance while showing off the county at its best.

Carew once again proved to be one of the standout locations on the course. The medieval castle, flags flying in the sunshine, provided a dramatic backdrop as riders passed through in steady streams throughout the day.

Long Course Weekend continues to bring a major boost to the local area, with competitors, families and supporters filling towns, villages, cafés, pubs and accommodation across Pembrokeshire.

For many taking part, Saturday’s ride was about more than finishing times. It was about atmosphere, achievement and being part of one of Wales’ biggest endurance sporting events.

Photos: Malcolm Richards Photography for The Herald

Three days of swimming, cycling and running begin with The Wales Swim at North Beach

THOUSANDS of athletes and supporters have arrived in Tenby as Long Course Weekend Wales gets underway for three days of sport, crowds and celebration.

The major Pembrokeshire event runs from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, with competitors taking part in swimming, cycling and running events across Tenby and the wider county.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with The Wales Swim at North Beach, one of the most popular open-water swim events in the UK. Athletes taking on the full Long Course Weekend will then move on to the cycling stage on Saturday before completing their final running challenge on Sunday.

Saturday will see cyclists tackle routes through the Pembrokeshire countryside, with thousands expected to line the roads and cheer competitors on.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with The Wales Marathon, The Wales Half Marathon, The Wales 10k and The Wales 5k, all finishing back in Tenby in front of large crowds.

Organisers say the event is designed for athletes of all abilities, from experienced competitors to first-time participants taking on a personal challenge.

Residents and visitors are being reminded that Tenby and surrounding roads will be busier than usual throughout the weekend, with road closures, parking restrictions and delays expected at various times.

Local businesses are also preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the year, with hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops welcoming the influx of visitors.

Long Course Weekend has become one of Pembrokeshire’s biggest annual sporting events, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators while providing a significant boost to the local economy. The event showcases Tenby and the county’s coastline to participants from across Wales, the UK and overseas.

Anyone travelling in or around Tenby over the weekend is advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and follow official event and traffic guidance.

Images: Gareth Davies/Herald