Desabre proud despite Congo's late World Cup exit

Sebastien Desabre said he was proud of Congo after England ended their World Cup run with a late comeback in Atlanta.

Congo led through Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute goal and held England for much of the game, with Lionel Mpasi producing a string of saves. Harry Kane then struck twice in an 11-minute spell to turn the tie.

Desabre, the 49-year-old French-Congolese coach, said his players had shown they could compete with top teams and called the performance historic. He said the squad had learned valuable lessons from the tournament and would keep pushing on.

Congo's route to the last 16 had already been long, featuring two African play-off ties and an intercontinental play-off before they reached the tournament as one of the best third-placed sides. It was their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

England coach Thomas Tuchel praised Mpasi and Congo's structure, but said his own side deserved the win after persistent pressure and strong performances from the substitutes.