England face a history-making DR Congo in the World Cup last 32

England begin their knockout campaign against the most unlikely of opponents on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel’s side meeting DR Congo in the round of 32 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kick-off is at 9:30pm IST on July 1, and while England arrive as heavy favourites, the Leopards have already shown at this World Cup that they did not travel to North America to make up the numbers.

England carrying their form into the knockouts

Tuchel’s England topped Group L without ever hitting top gear. Wins over Croatia and Panama and a goalless draw with Ghana were enough to finish first, and the German has still not lost a competitive match since taking the job. Harry Kane leads the line as the country’s all-time record scorer, with Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka the players most likely to unlock a deep-lying defence.

There are selection questions at the back. Reece James remains out injured, and Jarell Quansah is a doubt after rolling his ankle against Panama, which means Djed Spence is in line to start at right-back. England will not want this to become a scrappy, low-block afternoon, but DR Congo are happy to make it exactly that.

DR Congo riding a historic wave

This is the first time DR Congo have reached the knockout stage of a World Cup. Their only previous appearance came in 1974, as Zaire, and ended in a group-stage exit, so the Leopards are already in new territory. They squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams, and the manner of their win over Uzbekistan, when Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa struck twice, told you they can hurt anyone on their day.

Sebastien Desabre’s group leans on a settled spine. Captain Chancel Mbemba marshals the back line, Wissa carries the goal threat, and Cedric Bakambu offers experience and movement up front. Expect Desabre to pack the midfield and ask England to break them down, much as he did against Portugal and Colombia in the group.

What to watch

England should have too much quality across the pitch, but knockout football rarely respects the form guide, and the longer this stays goalless the more nervous a packed Atlanta crowd is likely to get. If Tuchel’s side score early and force DR Congo to chase, the gaps will open. If they do not, the Leopards have the discipline to make it an uncomfortable afternoon and the pace on the break to punish a mistake.

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