England enter the World Cup knockout rounds on Wednesday, taking on DR Congo in Atlanta in the last 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026 — with a potential last-16 meeting against co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca waiting beyond it.

Thomas Tuchel's side finished top of their group after defeating Croatia and Panama and drawing with Ghana. DR Congo advanced as a third-placed team, having drawn 1-1 with Portugal, narrowly lost to Colombia, and beaten Uzbekistan.

A familiar defensive puzzle

England have not yet produced their most convincing football at this tournament. Draws and tight wins against Ghana and Panama exposed a tendency to struggle when opponents sit deep and defend in a compact shape.

DR Congo are likely to present the same problem. The Leopards are expected to defend resolutely and rely on the pace of Yoane Wissa to threaten on the counter-attack — a formula that has given stronger opponents difficulty.

England's attackers will recognise several faces in the DR Congo defensive line. Axel Tuanzebe, formerly of Manchester United and now at Burnley, lines up alongside West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sunderland's Arthur Masuaku. Together they form a disciplined unit that has not conceded freely in this tournament.

Rice returns, questions at right-back

The return of Declan Rice after he missed the final group-stage match gives England a lift in midfield. However, Bukayo Saka has dropped out of the starting line-up, replaced by Noni Madueke.

Right-back is also a concern following another injury to Reece James, with Djed Spence set to fill that role. His performance will be under close scrutiny.

Assistant manager Anthony Barry has repeatedly stressed patience during half-time interviews across the last two fixtures — a word that may define how England approach this match once more.

England expected to advance

Despite the likely challenges, the quality gap between the two squads remains significant, and England are heavy favourites to progress. The primary objective is to get the job done in the knockout stages, with the hope that a more fluent display can be produced ahead of a high-profile tie against Mexico.

DR Congo will make England work for it, but the Three Lions are expected to edge through.

Predicted score: England 1-0 DR Congo