World Cup 2026: Scouting DR Congo – Where can England win and lose?

In the knockout stages of a major tournament, there is a real risk of elimination regardless of the opposition.

Germany’s elimination at the hands of Paraguay – the team that started the World Cup in defeat 4-1 to Mauricio Pochettino’s USA – Good proof of this point.

England’s next opponents, DR Congo, beat Uzbekistan to finish third in their group, draw with Portugal and lose to Colombia, but how will they fare and what challenge can they pose against head coach Thomas Tuchel’s men?

England face DR Congo on Wednesday (17:00 BST), live on BBC One and iPlayer.

Throughout the tournament so far, they have set up in a 5-3-2 formation, a shape that is consistent both on and off the ball.

Their average possession so far sits at 38.8% which pales in comparison to England’s 65.7% – second only to Spain (70.3%). This suggests that DR Congo are a stubborn defense-first team looking to spring counter-attacks on their opponents.

And while that’s mostly true, they’re surprisingly forward-thinking in how they defend.

Against England this may change, but against both Portugal and Colombia, opponents who dominate the ball, DR Congo are under high pressure against them from goal-kick situations.

From their defensive blocks, they tend to hold their line more than you’d expect from a 38% possession team, not often falling into their own box.

They also tend to put pressure on players, especially on ball players and teammates around the ball.

All of these decisions, while more proactive than simply camping in their own box, are something England could look to exploit.