- 1 England vs DR Congo : the Three Lions want to keep rolling
- 2 England keep moving, but the sparkle is missing
- 3 DR Congo are stepping into a new world
- 4 Likely line-ups :
- 5 World Cup 2026 prediction : England vs DR Congo
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information changes
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the visuals
England vs DR Congo : the Three Lions want to keep rolling 
The knockout rounds are here for England. Group winners without ever fully convincing, Thomas Tuchel’s side now face DR Congo, who are playing the first knockout match in their history. The Congolese arrive with no pressure after booking qualification on the final day, while the Three Lions know they will have to step it up if they want to stay in the tournament.
England keep moving, but the sparkle is missing 
On paper, it is hard to knock the numbers. Seven points, two wins, one draw and no defeats since the start of the tournament. In reality, though, England’s performances have not always inspired much trust. Against Ghana, Thomas Tuchel’s men had the ball for long spells but could not break the opposition down. Against Panama, they had to wait until the second half before Harry Kane and then Jude Bellingham turned the game.
The biggest positive has been the back line. England have not conceded a goal since the tournament began and still look outstanding out of possession. Harry Kane, now England’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, remains the main attacking threat in a team that knows how to shift gears when space opens up.
DR Congo are stepping into a new world 
The Leopards are already living through a historic tournament. After holding Portugal and then beating Uzbekistan on the final day, they are in the knockout stage for the first time in DR Congo colours.
Yoane Wissa carries a big chunk of the attacking burden. He has scored three of DR Congo’s four goals at this World Cup and is enjoying the best run of his season. Behind him, Sebastien Desabre could go back to a back five to cut down the space against England’s technical quality. The plan will be to stay patient, wait for a chance in transition and avoid getting dragged into a possession battle.
Likely line-ups :
England : Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
DR Congo : Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu
on MathODDS
World Cup 2026 prediction : England vs DR Congo
Under 2.5 goals in the match
England are favourites, but nothing points to a wide-open contest. Since the start of the competition, the Three Lions have built everything around their defensive structure. They still have not conceded and are happy to control the tempo rather than pour men forward. That tends to produce tight games, where patience matters more than entertainment.
DR Congo have no reason to go toe to toe with a side stronger on paper. Sebastien Desabre’s men should sit deep, break up the rhythm and look for a few transitions to catch England cold. In a last-16 tie where every mistake can be costly, a cagey script looks most likely. A narrow England win, probably 1-0 or 2-0, feels far more likely than any kind of goal feast. Under 2.5 goals therefore makes plenty of sense.
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