On Wednesday, England will face a DR Congo side that has just won its first ever World Cup match and reached the knockout stages for the first time in history—a fairytale that the Three Lions will now try to end.
The match is a World Cup last-32 tie in Atlanta. England topped their group after a 2-0 win over Panama; DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify. Declan Rice is expected to start for England after a calf injury. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba has warned his side will be ready.
“England face DR Congo in the World Cup last 32: explainer on the match and stakes.”
DR Congo's journey has been remarkable. They had never won a World Cup match until beating Uzbekistan. Their pre-tournament camp was moved to Belgium due to an Ebola outbreak in Congo, and they arrived via Paris. Coach Sébastien Desabre called it "all about sacrifice." DR Congo's squad includes Premier League players like Yoane Wissa (Newcastle) and Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City), though Khusanov gave away the penalty that helped them qualify.
For UK readers, England are heavy favourites, but injuries to right-backs Reece James and Jarell Quansah, plus the earlier loss of Tino Livramento, leave Thomas Tuchel with a problem. Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa may have to play out of position. DR Congo have nothing to lose, and England cannot afford an early exit.
Q: Why are England dealing with a right-back crisis? Reece James has a hamstring injury, Jarell Quansah is a major doubt with an ankle problem, and Tino Livramento withdrew before the tournament. Djed Spence replaced Quansah against Panama and is likely to start.
Q: Who are DR Congo's key players to watch? Captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille), striker Yoane Wissa (Newcastle), who scored twice against Uzbekistan, and midfielder Fiston Mayele. Defender Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City) is influential but gave away a penalty in the last game.
Q: What happened in DR Congo's previous World Cup matches? They had never won a World Cup game before this tournament. Their 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan was their first victory, securing a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time.
The match is on Wednesday in Atlanta. If England win, they face the winner of another last-32 tie. Tuchel will assess James and Quansah over the next 48 hours. DR Congo will rely on their Premier League experience and the underdog spirit.