England, USA and Belgium All Advance on a Dramatic Day of Last-16 Drama

It was a day that will be remembered for tension, late drama, and three nations refusing to go home. England, the United States, and Belgium each secured their places in the World Cup last 16 on July 1, though none of them made it look particularly easy.

In Atlanta, England edged past Congo DR by two goals to one at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in what reports suggest was a nervy affair. The result keeps England's tournament alive and puts to rest, at least for now, the persistent anxiety that has shadowed this squad throughout the competition.

Across the country at Levi's Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area, the host nation's United States side delivered a composed two-nil victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The clean sheet will be a source of particular satisfaction for a side that has shown steely defensive resolve in getting this far, even amid what appears to have been a contentious match.

Up in Seattle at Lumen Field, Belgium produced the most dramatic finish of the day, coming from behind to beat Senegal three goals to two. A late penalty proved the decisive moment, and while the manner of the win will invite scrutiny, Belgium advance and that is all that matters to their camp tonight.

With the round of 32 now giving way to the last 16, the knockout stakes are about to rise sharply. All three sides will need to find greater consistency if they are to go deep into the tournament, but for one day at least, England, the United States, and Belgium gave their supporters exactly what they needed.