The group stage wasn’t always convincing, but England did exactly what mattered by finishing top of the group.
Now the knockout stage starts, and that’s where tournaments are remembered. DR Congo deserve huge credit for reaching the Round of 32, but if England are serious about winning this World Cup, these are the games we simply have to find a way through.
I don’t think it’ll be comfortable, but I do think our big players will step up.
My England vs DR Congo Bet Builder (41.00)
- Draw at Half Time / England Full Time
- England & Under 3.5 Goals
- Jude Bellingham Anytime Goalscorer
- Harry Kane 1+ Shot on Target
- England Most Corners
- DR Congo Most Cards
Draw at Half Time / England Full Time
England have developed a habit of growing into games.
All three of our World Cup matches have been level at half time, with only a third of our goals arriving before the break. DR Congo will almost certainly sit deep and make life difficult early on, but I expect England’s quality to tell after half time.
England & Under 3.5 Goals
This feels like classic knockout football.
England haven’t been free-flowing, but they’ve found ways to win, while DR Congo defended brilliantly to draw with Portugal and only lost 1-0 to Colombia. I expect another disciplined defensive display, but eventually England should find the breakthrough.
A 1-0 or 2-0 win looks the most likely outcome.
Jude Bellingham Anytime Goalscorer
Jude has become England’s biggest game player.
He opened the scoring against Croatia before following that up with a goal and an assist against Panama. When England have needed someone to produce, Bellingham has delivered, and I fancy him to do it again.
Harry Kane 1+ Shot On Target
Kane doesn’t need many chances.
He hit two shots on target against both Croatia and Panama and remains England’s biggest goal threat whenever we get into dangerous positions.
One effort on target feels well within reach.
England Most Corners
England have completely dominated the corner count throughout the tournament.
We won corners 8-2 against Croatia, 9-2 against Ghana and 7-3 against Panama, and I can see a similar pattern developing here as England control possession against a deep DR Congo defence.
DR Congo Most Cards
This angle makes plenty of sense.
England should dominate the ball for long periods, forcing DR Congo into plenty of defensive work. Chasing possession usually brings fouls and bookings, while England have collected just two yellow cards across their first three matches.
That makes DR Congo the obvious choice to receive more cards.
Jack’s Prediction
I don’t think England will blow DRC away, but knockout football is about getting through.
If we stay patient, the spaces will eventually appear.
Predicted score: England 2-0 DR Congo
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