The knockout stages of a major tournament are where reputations mean little and tactics become everything, as Germany found out when they were eliminated by Paraguay – a side that had started the World Cup losing 4-1 to the United States. On Wednesday, England face DR Congo in the round of 32, a team that finished third in their group after beating Uzbekistan, drawing with Portugal and losing to Colombia. But their modest group-stage record belies a stubborn and surprisingly proactive defensive approach that could cause problems for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
DR Congo have set up in a 5-3-2 formation throughout the tournament, a shape that has been consistent both on and off the ball. Their average possession sits at 38.8%, which pales in comparison to England’s 65.7% (second only to Spain’s 70.3%). That suggests a defence-first team looking to spring counter-attacks, and while this is mostly true, they are surprisingly front-footed in how they defend. Against Portugal and Colombia – opponents that dominated the ball – DR Congo pressed high from goal-kick situations. From their defensive block, they hold their line higher than you would expect from a team with 38% possession, not dropping into their own box as often. There is also a tendency for their players to apply pressure, particularly to the player on the ball, and nearby team-mates around the ball.
“How DR Congo's 5-3-2 and high pressing style works and England's plan to counter it.”
This high-pressing, man-to-man approach has its strengths and weaknesses. From goal-kicks, DR Congo’s two strikers and three midfielders take advanced positions to press the opposition’s goalkeeper, centre-backs and holding midfielder. Their wing-backs are tasked with pressing the full-backs, leaving the three centre-backs to defend against three attackers. They are ready to go man-to-man everywhere, which can force errors but also leaves them vulnerable. England, used to dealing with high presses in the Premier League, could exploit this by using wide full-backs in deeper areas. By playing low, the marking DR Congo wing-backs have to press across larger distances, giving the English full-backs more time and space on the ball when they receive it.
For UK readers, this analysis offers a window into the tactical battle. Understanding DR Congo’s shape helps explain why England’s build-up play and patience will be key. Thomas Tuchel, drawing on his managerial experience from his time at Borussia Dortmund (as reported by the Standard), will have prepared his squad for this specific challenge. The match, live on BBC One and iPlayer at 17:00 BST, is a chance to see whether England’s technical quality can overcome a side that dares to press despite ceding possession.
Q: How does DR Congo set up? DR Congo use a 5-3-2 formation, with two strikers and three midfielders who press high when the opposition has the ball. Their wing-backs push up to mark full-backs, and the three centre-backs defend against three attackers.
Q: Why do they press high despite having low possession? Their high press is designed to force errors and win the ball in advanced areas, springing counter-attacks. It is a proactive defensive style that keeps opponents away from their goal, even though they average only 38.8% possession.
Q: How can England exploit DR Congo’s tactics? England can use wide full-backs in deeper positions to draw DR Congo’s wing-backs out of position, creating space. The English players’ familiarity with facing high presses in the Premier League should help them play through the pressure and use long passes over the top to target the space behind the high defensive line.
What happens next? The match against DR Congo takes place on Wednesday at 17:00 BST. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals, where England could face tougher opposition. Tuchel’s side will need to execute their game plan to avoid a shock exit.