England face tricky World Cup test against DR Congo as knockout stage begins
England begin the World Cup knockout stage against DR Congo as Thomas Tuchel's side aim to keep their hopes of winning a first World Cup since 1966 alive.
England's quest to end 60 years of World Cup hurt enters the knockout stage today as Thomas Tuchel's side take on DR Congo in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After finishing top of their group with victories over Croatia and Panama, alongside a draw against Ghana, England are favourites to progress. However, Tuchel has warned his players against underestimating a DR Congo side that has already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time in the country's history. England would face either Mexico or Ecuador in the next round if they win.
England have made three changes to the starting line-up, with Declan Rice returning from a minor hamstring injury alongside Djed Spence and Noni Madueke. Reece James and Jarell Quansah both miss the match through injury, forcing Tuchel into defensive changes.
DR Congo have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament after drawing with Portugal and recording a memorable victory over Uzbekistan to reach the knockout stages. Their squad features several players familiar to Premier League fans, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
Despite England being clear favourites on paper, football analysts believe the African nation has the pace and organisation to cause problems on the counter-attack. Opta's pre-match supercomputer gives England roughly a 74% chance of progressing, but Tuchel has insisted there will be "no easy games" from this stage of the competition onwards.
The match marks the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo and is also the Three Lions' first knockout fixture under the expanded 48-team World Cup format, which introduced an additional Round of 32 before the traditional last 16.
With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford leading England's attack, supporters will be hoping the Three Lions can avoid an upset and keep their dream of lifting a first World Cup since 1966 alive.
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