England fans slip away from work to watch World Cup battle with DR Congo

England fans are reportedly leaving work early to watch the World Cup round-of-32 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta, Georgia. The game, with a 5pm kickoff, saw supporters at least temporarily step away from jobs as Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead after seven minutes. England struggled for long stretches before Harry Kane equalized in the 75th minute and then scored again in the 86th, taking the lead and sending fans into relief at venues including a Wembley watch party. Several supporters described taking half-days or using employer-approved early departures to attend. A win in Atlanta would send England into the last-16 on Sunday against co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca. In the UK, fans at Wembley Boxpark watched substitutions from Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon after the match restarted in the second half. Elsewhere, U.S. viewers expressed optimism for the matchup.