England look set to brush aside DR Congo when these sides meet for the first time ever in Atlanta. The Three Lions topped Group L with seven points from three games and carry real momentum into the knockout stage. DR Congo scraped through as one of the best third-placed teams after 52 years of waiting, yet their group stage record shows clear vulnerabilities.
Recent results underline the gap. England won two and drew one in the group, scoring nine goals while keeping two clean sheets. Harry Kane leads the way with three goals already and Jude Bellingham has chipped in two more. DR Congo managed just four points from their three matches and conceded to both Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Injuries hit England in defence. Reece James remains doubtful with a hamstring issue while Jarell Quansah is unlikely to feature and Tino Livramento is already out of the tournament. Declan Rice should start regardless after shaking off earlier concerns. DR Congo report no fresh problems.
Yoane Wissa carries their main threat after his strong run of form and Cedric Bakambu offers support up front. Still, facing a side that has netted freely in the group stage feels like a tall order for the Congolese attack.
England should control possession and create enough chances to progress without too much drama. Their attacking options outclass anything DR Congo have shown so far and the step up in quality on this stage will test the debutants heavily.
Recommended Bets
England -1.5 @1.85 — They average three goals per group game and face a side that has kept just one clean sheet in five matches.
Harry Kane anytime goalscorer @1.95 — Already on three group goals and DR Congo have struggled against organised attacks.
Over 2.5 goals @1.70 — England’s last three competitive wins all featured at least three goals combined.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
