England vs Congo DR Predictions

• Seven of England’s last nine games have gone under 2.5 goals
• Three of England’s last five competitive games have seen them win 2-0
• DR Congo have only won one of their last seven matches in 90 minutes

England made to work hard

England have reached at least the semi-finals of three of the last four major tournaments and kick off the knockout stage of this year’s World Cup with a round-of-32 clash against DR Congo.

The Three Lions were impressive in their opening 4-2 win over Croatia but looked laboured in their next two games against Ghana and Panama.

Thomas Tuchel’s men played out a goalless draw with the Black Stars in their second match before needing two moments of Jude Bellingham inspiration to secure a 2-0 victory over the Canal Men to seal top spot in Group L.

This is a physical team which is built to go toe-to-toe with the top teams but it is also one which has struggled to break down the lesser sides, that could make this clash with DR Congo a potential issue.

DR Congo can keep things tight

The African side did well to draw 1-1 with Portugal in their opener, frustrating Cristiano Ronaldo in particular. A late Daniel Munoz goal saw them slip to a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their second game but they bounced back in style to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a first-ever appearance in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

In Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Yoane Wissa and Noah Sadiki they have plenty of Premier League pedigree while Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku and Cedric Bakambu are also solid operators.

England’s difficulties in breaking down opponents who don’t press them high will have been noted so expect DR Congo to sit off and invite Tuchel’s men on before looking to hit them on the break, a tactic which was put to good use against Portugal.

The Three Lions may have to lean heavily on set-pieces as they have throughout the tournament, with their wide players in particular failing to spark as of yet.

Six of DR Congo’s last eight games have gone under 2.5 goals and they only conceded three times in the group stage so expect another cagey knockout affair for the Three Lions.

England may take a narrow win

Seven of England’s last nine matches have produced fewer than three goals and they look unlikely to cut loose in current form.

The Three Lions should be able to win in 90 minutes but the unders does make plenty of appeal in what could be a slog.

Correct score backers may want to keep a 2-0 victory on side considering the fact that England have kept four clean sheets in their last five games.

Bukayo Saka has not featured heavily as he recovers from injury but should start in this clash and scored three goals at the last World Cup.

He has already had five shots in 104 minutes at this edition of the tournament and could get off the mark in this one.