England Face DR Congo in World Cup Showdown: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect

England's World Cup campaign rolls on in Atlanta this Tuesday, with a round of 32 clash against DR Congo on the horizon.

Following an impressive 4–2 victory over Croatia on Matchday 1, the Three Lions then delivered underwhelming displays to close out the group stage. They were held to a draw by a resolute Ghana at Gillette Stadium before grinding out a 2–0 win over Panama at the weekend.

Thomas Tuchel has maintained that his squad will keep improving as the competition unfolds, but a tricky test awaits in the shape of the Leopards.

DR Congo, who famously took part in the 1974 World Cup under the name Zaire, have performed considerably better across North America this summer. Sébastien Desabre's outfit held Portugal and pushed Colombia hard in Group K, and a dramatic 3–1 comeback win over first-timers Uzbekistan booked their place in the next round.

Now, the tenacious Leopards — who have managed to unite a deeply divided and conflict-ridden nation back home — are targeting the biggest result in their footballing history.

England vs. DR Congo Score Prediction

Three Lions Find A Way

England has already received a warning — not only from Ghana and, to a lesser degree, Panama, but also from Paraguay at the start of the round of 32. DR Congo must have drawn inspiration from their performance against four-time champions Germany, whom they eliminated on penalties.

The Three Lions have struggled since the Croatia match, yet Thomas Tuchel's men remain in a favorable position. There's a feeling that the squad he's assembled is better equipped to face teams that give them room to play, though DR Congo is unlikely to be so accommodating.

England will need to score early to keep nerves at bay, even if the Leopards demonstrated in Group K that they are a genuine threat on the break.

Prediction: England 1–0 DR Congo

WIN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ FINAL TICKETS & OTHER PRIZES

England Predicted Lineup vs. DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel's squad selection has come under scrutiny after Reece James sustained a hamstring injury during the draw with Ghana.

Having already opted to swap Tino Livramento for Trevoh Chalobah before the tournament began, Tuchel is now left with Djed Spence as his only natural right-back option. Jarell Quansah is another possible choice, but he twisted his ankle against Panama and remains a doubt for Wednesday's fixture.

On a brighter note, Declan Rice is set to return to Tuchel's midfield after being rested on Matchday 3. He will line up alongside Elliot Anderson in the center of the park, with Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo still waiting for his opportunity.

Marcus Rashford is expected to be preferred over Anthony Gordon on the left side, while fans will be hoping Bukayo Saka gradually finds his rhythm on the opposite wing. Saka has been managing an Achilles problem for some time.

England predicted lineup vs. DR Congo (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

DR Congo Predicted Lineup vs. England

Sébastien Desabre will in all likelihood revert to a 5-3-2 formation against England, having shifted to a back four for DR Congo's must-win game against Uzbekistan.

The personnel is expected to remain largely unchanged, and several names will be well known to English football fans.

Yoane Wissa endured a difficult season at Newcastle United but still managed to net three times during the group stage. He will partner the seasoned Cédric Bakambu up front on Wednesday.

Sunderland's Noah Sadiki will feature in midfield, and four of the anticipated back five either currently play in the Premier League or have previously done so. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku will be charged with keeping the Three Lions quiet in Atlanta.

DR Congo predicted lineup vs. England (5-3-2): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mukau; Bakambu, Wissa.

Pick Your World Cup XI!

What Time Does England vs. DR Congo Kick Off?

How to Watch England vs. DR Congo on TV, Live Stream