England v DR Congo: where to watch, predictions and likely line-ups | OneFootball

What to expect from England vs DR Congo at the World Cup?

Atlanta Stadium, in the United States, hosts the clash between England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo this Wednesday (01), at 1 p.m. (Brasília time). The match, valid for the Round of 32 of the World Cup, pits a team that finished top of Group L against an opponent that reached the knockout stage for the first time since its appearance in 1974.

England arrive in the knockout stage unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel. In that sense, the English side collected seven points, with wins over Croatia and Panama, as well as a goalless draw against Ghana.

The defensive performance of the ‘Three Lions’ stands out, with only two goals conceded throughout the group stage. On the other hand, the campaign showed solidity, although the attack struggled to break down well-organized defenses.

Meanwhile, DR Congo are enjoying a historic moment. After overcoming a challenging start, the squad led by Sébastien Desabre secured qualification with a resilient win over Uzbekistan.

The Congolese team bases its success on an organized tactical setup, with quick transitions into attack. As such, it relies on names like Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.

WHAT IS THE PREDICTION FOR THE MATCH BETWEEN ENGLAND AND DR CONGO?

England go into the match as overwhelming favorites against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the strong campaign by the African side and their potential to cause problems with quick transitions, the English team has more technical quality, a deeper squad, and is expected to control possession for most of the game.

Statistical models also point to clear English favoritism. If that dominance is confirmed, the trend is toward a win without major scares, although Congo should still be able to create a few chances on the counterattack.

WHAT ARE THE PROBABLE LINEUPS FOR THE DUEL?

England are dealing with issues at right-back. As a result, Reece James and Jarell Quansah are injury doubts, which opens the door for Djed Spence to take the spot. Declan Rice returns to midfield after being rested.

PROBABLE ENGLAND LINEUP: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford; Harry Kane.

DR Congo keep the structure that secured qualification. Chancel Mbemba leads the defensive line, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku operate as wing-backs, focused on protecting the box.

PROBABLE DR CONGO LINEUP: Lionel Mpasi; Steve Kapuadi, Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku; Nathanael Mukau; Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE MATCH?

The expectation is for England to seek territorial dominance and keep possession in order to wear down the Congolese defensive system. Moreover, the challenge lies in breaking down a low block, an issue highlighted in the draw against Ghana.

Harry Kane, England’s all-time top World Cup scorer, appears as the main weapon to decide the game in tight spaces.

DR Congo will look to make quick counterattacks click. In this way, the Congolese team will focus on collective solidity to frustrate England’s forward surges. The tactical discipline of the back line will determine how far DR Congo’s resistance goes in the match.

WHAT IF THE MATCH BETWEEN ENGLAND AND DR CONGO ENDS IN A DRAW?

The place in the Round of 16 will be decided in regular time. If the draw persists, the match will go to 30 minutes of extra time. Finally, if the score is still level after extra time, the qualifier will be decided on penalties.

WHERE TO WATCH THE MATCH?

The broadcast takes place this Wednesday (01), at 4 p.m. (Brasília time). The match will be covered by Globo (free-to-air TV), SporTV (pay TV), and CazéTV (YouTube). Coluna do Fla will bring all the details and full coverage of the teams’ performances on its website and social media.

WHO WILL THE QUALIFIER FACE?

The winner of England vs DR Congo will secure a place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup and will face Mexico in the next round. The decisive match takes place next Sunday (05), at 9 p.m. (Brasília time).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.