Kane and Co. gear up for the knockout tie.
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Thomas Tuchel’s England enters the round of 32 carrying the confidence of an unbeaten group-stage campaign, but standing between the Three Lions and the pre-quarterfinals is a DR Congo side making history.
The Leopards have reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. After drawing with Portugal, losing narrowly to Colombia and defeating Uzbekistan, they arrive believing they can frustrate another European heavyweight.
Coach Sebastien Desabre has built his side on defensive organisation, often switching to a back five against stronger opponents before striking on the counter through the pace of Yoane Wissa and the experience of Cedric Bakambu. Wissa has been the standout performer, scoring three of DR Congo’s four goals in the group stage, while the energetic midfield pairing of Noah Sadiki and Ngal’ayel Mukau has given the Leopards the ability to spring quickly from defence into attack.
England, meanwhile, topped Group L with victories over Croatia and Panama besides a goalless draw against Ghana. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane found the target in the opening and final group games, while Tuchel remains unbeaten in competitive matches as England coach.
At the other end, the experienced pairing of John Stones and Marc Guehi has provided defensive stability despite injury concerns around the full-back positions.
The possibility of a penalty shootout has already entered England’s preparations after two heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands were knocked out after losing the match from the dreaded spot.
“Just like all phases of play, we’re taking it extremely seriously,” winger Noni Madueke said. “As you go into knockout football it’s something that becomes more prominent in the games, so like every part of our game we want to be at the highest level when it comes to that.”
Desabre knows his squad will also draw on familiar faces from English football. “We’ve got a few players in the squad who play at clubs in the English league, so they will help us, but we’ll prepare in the best way we can for what is going to be a very big match for us,” he said.
Injuries to Reece James and backup Jarell Quansah at right-back may force England into another reshuffle. DR Congo, meanwhile, is expected to retreat into a compact defensive block, and patience may prove as the important quality in a knockout tie that promises to be tighter than the rankings suggest.
Published – June 30, 2026 10:42 pm IST
