Thomas Tuchel’s side progressed comfortably after finishing top of Group L with seven points, defeating Croatia and Panama before settling for a draw against Ghana. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham found their scoring touch during the group stage, but England are still searching for greater fluency in attack as tougher challenges await.
Standing in their way is a DR Congo side enjoying the finest World Cup campaign in the nation’s history. Under Sébastien Desabre, the Congolese have become one of the tournament’s most organised teams, combining defensive discipline with dangerous counterattacking football. Their memorable 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan secured both their first-ever World Cup win and a place in the knockout rounds.
Desabre’s tactical flexibility has been central to the team’s success. Although he traditionally prefers a back four, the coach has embraced a back-five system to frustrate stronger opponents. With captain Chancel Mbemba leading a settled defence and Yoane Wissa spearheading the attack alongside Cédric Bakambu, DR Congo have shown they are capable of troubling any opponent.
England are favourites on paper, but patience will be essential against a side that rarely gives away clear opportunities. The Three Lions will also need to remain alert against DR Congo’s pace on the break, particularly through Wissa, who has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Victory would move England one step closer to ending decades of World Cup disappointment, while DR Congo have the chance to continue one of the competition’s most remarkable underdog stories.
