Thomas Tuchel’s side advanced comfortably after finishing top of Group L with seven points, beating 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 looking for greater consistency in attack as tougher challenges await.
Standing in their way is a DR Congo side who are enjoying the best World Cup campaign in the country’s history. Under Sébastien Desabre, the Congolese have become one of the most organized teams in the tournament, combining defensive discipline with dangerous counterattacking football. Their memorable 3-2 win over Uzbekistan secured their first ever World Cup victory and a place in the knockout rounds.
Desabre’s tactical flexibility has been central to the team’s success. Although he usually prefers a back four, the coach has adopted a back-five system to frustrate stronger opponents. With captain Chancel Mbemba leading a settled defense and Yoane Wissa leading the attack alongside Cédric Bakambu, DR Congo have shown they are capable of troubling any opposition.
England are favorites on paper, but patience will be necessary against a side that rarely provide clear-cut opportunities. The Three Lions will also need to remain alert against DR Congo’s run at the break, especially through Wissa, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Victory will 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.