WED, jULY 1, AT 9:30 PM
Atlanta, June 29: England will begin their FIFA World Cup knockout campaign when they take on tournament surprise package DR Congo in the Round of 32 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side advanced as Group L winners after a 2-0 victory over Panama, although their performances in the group stage did little to silence critics. England laboured through much of the contest before Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham struck in the second half to secure all three points, with Kane becoming England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer.
Despite not hitting top gear, England remain unbeaten in competitive matches under Tuchel, who has guided the Three Lions to 10 wins and one draw since taking charge.
England will start as favourites against a DR Congo side making history in their first World Cup appearance under their current name. The African nation booked a place in the knockout rounds for the first time after finishing as the tournament’s highest-ranked third-placed team.
DR Congo sealed qualification with a spirited 3-1 comeback victory over Uzbekistan after recovering from an early setback. Yoane Wissa scored twice, while Fiston Mayele also found the net in a memorable victory that sent the Leopards into uncharted territory.
Coached by Sebastien Desabre and led by experienced captain Chancel Mbemba, DR Congo have emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages and will hope to produce another upset against one of football’s traditional heavyweights.
While England boast greater pedigree and experience, Tuchel’s men will be wary of underestimating a confident DR Congo side that has already shown resilience and attacking quality during the tournament.
The winners will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either Mexico or Ecuador. (AP)
