England vs DR Congo: World Cup Round of 32 preview, predictions and bet builder tips

England vs DR Congo match details

• Fixture: England vs DR Congo

• Competition: World Cup Round of 32

• Date: Wednesday, 1 July, 2026

• Kick-off: 17:00 BST

• Venue: Georgia, USA

England vs DR Congo match prediction

Our prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo

England vs DR Congo predicted lineups

England

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford / Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly / Rice, Anderson / Saka, Bellingham, Rashford / Kane

DR Congo

Our predicted XI (5-3-2): Mpasi / Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku / Moutoussamy, Mbuku, Sadiki / Bakambu, Wissa

England vs DR Congo bet builder tips

England to qualify

England head into the knockout stages full of confidence after topping Group L with an unbeaten record.

Following a frustrating draw against Ghana, the Three Lions bounced back with a professional 2-0 win over Panama to secure first place and extend their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 14 games.

Thomas Tuchel's side have not lost a competitive fixture since 2024, before the German was manager, and look well equipped for the challenges of knockout football.

DR Congo deserve huge credit for reaching this stage, but their only victory in the tournament came against Uzbekistan, while they relied heavily on their defensive organisation against Portugal and Colombia.

Whether the game is settled in 90 minutes, extra time or penalties, our experts are backing England to progress to the Round of 16.

Under 2.5 goals to be scored

England may have scored six goals in their opening match, but their last two World Cup games have been much tighter affairs.

The Three Lions were frustrated by Ghana in a goalless draw before recording a controlled 2-0 victory over Panama. Across those two matches, England's games have averaged just one goal per match.

DR Congo have also shown throughout the group stage that they are extremely difficult to break down.

Only three goals were scored across their matches against Portugal and Colombia combined, with both sides finding it difficult to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Congolese defence.

We expect DR Congo to adopt a similarly cautious approach against England, making under 2.5 goals an attractive selection.

Harry Kane to have 2+ shots on target

Harry Kane has started this World Cup in excellent form and remains England's biggest attacking threat.

The captain has scored three goals in three matches and found the net again as England beat Panama to secure top spot in Group L.

Kane is averaging two shots on target per game at this tournament and even against a stubborn Ghana defence managed to test the goalkeeper despite England creating relatively few chances.

His club form has been equally impressive, with 36 Bundesliga goals in 31 matches last season while averaging more than two shots on target per game.

Given his consistency and England's expected dominance of possession, we're backing Kane to register at least two efforts on target once again.

Jude Bellingham to have 2+ shots

Jude Bellingham has reminded everyone exactly why he is regarded as one of the world's best midfielders.

Although there were pre-tournament debates over England's best midfield combination, Bellingham has firmly established himself as one of the Three Lions' standout performers.

The midfielder has already scored twice at this World Cup and is averaging two shots per game across England's three group-stage matches.

With Declan Rice expected to return to the starting XI, Bellingham should have even greater licence to push forward and support Harry Kane in attacking areas.

Against a DR Congo side likely to spend long periods without the ball, we expect Bellingham to continue his tournament average and register at least two shots.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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