Harry Kane scored twice in the final quarter-hour as England fought back from a shock first-half deficit to beat Congo DR 2-1 and reach the World Cup last 16.
Brian Cipenga stunned the Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd inside seven minutes, turning in Chancel Mbemba's flick-on to give Congo DR a first-ever World Cup knockout lead.
Thomas Tuchel's side dominated possession and territory throughout but found Lionel Mpasi in inspired form, the goalkeeper repelling a string of chances before the break.
England pressed hard, racking up 16 shots and 60 percent possession, yet could not find a way past a resolute Congo DR back line marshalled by Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe.
Jude Bellingham was booked in the 19th minute as frustration crept in, while Noah Sadiki picked up a caution for Congo DR nine minutes later.
Tuchel turned to his bench just after the hour, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka for Marcus Rashford and Noni Madueke to freshen the attack.
The changes paid off. Gordon's driving runs down the left stretched Congo DR's low block and would prove decisive in the closing stages.
Kane finally broke Congo DR's resistance in the 75th minute, meeting Gordon's cross with a header that flashed past Mpasi to level the scores.
Eleven minutes later, Kane turned home another moment of quality, spinning on the edge of the box before drilling a rising effort into the top corner.
Gordon's second assist sealed a dramatic turnaround, sparing England's blushes after a first half in which Congo DR had threatened a genuine upset.
Congo DR pushed for a leveller late on but could not force another opening, undone despite matching England for effort and organisation throughout.
Victory lifts England to seven points from three games, top of Group L, and sets up a heavyweight Round of 16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
For Congo DR, elimination ends a landmark tournament that saw them reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Cipenga's early strike will offer some consolation, but Kane's late brace ensured England's superior quality ultimately told on a night that threatened to unravel for the favourites.
