England vs DR Congo betting preview
England begin the knockout rounds against DR Congo after topping Group L and setting up a Round-of-32 tie with one of the tournament’s best third-placed sides.
Thomas Tuchel’s team came through the 2026 World Cup group stage unbeaten, doing enough to finish above Croatia, Ghana and Panama. With Harry Kane leading the line and Jude Bellingham driving England forward from midfield, the Three Lions will be expected to take control of this tie and move one step closer to the latter stages.
DR Congo’s route here was less straightforward, but no less impressive. They finished third in Group K, yet their draw with Portugal in the opening round showed they are capable of frustrating elite opposition and making life difficult in one-off matches.
England vs DR Congo odds
England will be strong favourites to progress, but knockout football brings a different kind of pressure.
The match betting is likely to favour Tuchel’s side, while goalscorer markets could prove popular with Kane chasing more World Cup goals. Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka also offer strong attacking options, with England expected to create chances if they can move the ball quickly and avoid being dragged into a scrappy contest.
Ladbrokes customers can also explore correct score, first goalscorer, anytime goalscorer, over/under goals, both teams to score, player cards, corners and Bet Builder markets for this intriguing clash.
Can England avoid a knockout scare?
England will know they cannot afford to treat this as a routine assignment.
DR Congo have already shown their resilience against Portugal, and their third-place finish in Group K should not make them easy opponents to dismiss. If they can keep the game tight for long spells, England may need patience as much as attacking quality.
That said, the Three Lions have the stronger squad on paper and will believe they have enough firepower to reach the last 16.
When is England vs DR Congo?
England vs DR Congo is being payed on Wednesday, 1 July, and will kick-off at 17:00 BST.
The tie comes after England finished top of Group L, while DR Congo qualified as a third-placed team from Group K after a campaign that included an impressive draw with Portugal.
For more build-up, previews, outright odds and tournament analysis, visit the Ladbrokes World Cup content hub throughout the knockout stages.
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