England warned of DR Congo's high-wire act as Tuchel draws on Dortmund past

Germany’s shock elimination at the hands of Paraguay – a team that began the World Cup with a 4-1 loss to the USA – is the warning Thomas Tuchel will have pinned on the wall. England face DR Congo in the round of 32 on Wednesday (17:00 BST, live on BBC One and iPlayer), and the African side bring a peculiar, high-risk style that could either spring a surprise or play into the hands of a squad accustomed to the Premier League’s pressure. DR Congo finished their group in third place, beating Uzbekistan and drawing with Portugal before losing to Colombia. They set up in a 5-3-2 formation, a shape they have kept both on and off the ball. Their average possession sits at 38.8%, dwarfed by England’s 65.7% – the second-highest in the tournament behind Spain’s 70.3%. Yet despite that low share, they do not park the bus. Against Portugal and Colombia – teams that dominated the ball – DR Congo pressed high from goal-kick situations, holding their defensive line higher than expected and often committing man-for-man across the pitch. This front-footed defence is a gamble. Their two strikers and three midfielders advance to press the opposition goalkeeper, centre-backs and holding midfielder, while the wing-backs charge at full-backs, leaving three centre-backs to handle three attackers. It can force errors, but it also leaves them vulnerable to long passes over the top, and England’s technical quality – honed in the Premier League – should be well equipped to exploit those gaps. Tuchel, who has drawn on a lesson learned at Borussia Dortmund to prepare his side, will hope his full-backs can find space in deeper areas, pulling the marking wing-backs across larger distances. As England supporters snap up tickets and gear for the knockout clash, one deal has caught the eye: the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Polo Shirt, usually priced at £33.99, is available for as little as £6.70 including delivery for new TopCashback members, after a £15 sign-up bonus and cashback. The navy version comes in extra-small, small and medium, while the white is limited to small. For those favouring nostalgia, the iconic England 1966 World Cup Final Shirt – the red kit worn by Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst – can be reduced to £20.70 at Kitbag. But the real prize is a place in the last 16, and DR Congo’s aggressive approach could be the opening England need.