Thomas Tuchel’s England will face DR Congo in the last-32 of the World Cup after the African side secured their place with a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan. The Three Lions topped Group L following a 2-0 victory over Panama, with second-half goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, but their campaign has not been without its stutters – a goalless draw against Ghana last week was the first hiccup under Tuchel, who is aiming to end 60 years of hurt on the global stage.
England began the tournament with a 4-2 win over Croatia, the toughest test on paper in the group, before the draw with Ghana and the Panama victory confirmed top spot. That group win earned them the privilege of meeting one of the eight best third-placed teams, and DR Congo – who fought back after Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring for Uzbekistan inside ten minutes, with goals from Yoane Wissa and Fiston Mayele – now stand in their way on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
“England confirmed to face DR Congo in World Cup last-32 after topping Group L.”
Should England progress, the road only gets steeper. A last-16 meeting with host nation Mexico awaits at the Estadio Azteca on July 6, a high-altitude cauldron that will test their resolve. Beyond that, a quarter-final in Miami on July 11 against one of Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway. The semi-final – against either reigning champions Argentina or Colombia – is booked for Atlanta on July 15, and a final against top-ranked Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 would bring the tournament full circle.
Tuchel’s side will need to overcome footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both likely making their final World Cup appearances, if they are to lift the trophy. The path is mapped out; the execution is all that remains.