England 2-1 Democratic Republic of Congo: England wins

Updated at 01:03 on 02/07/2026

Team lineup updated at 22:53 on 01/07/2026

Official lineup

Older brother

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachThomas Tuchel

Starting lineup:

• 1. Jordan Pickford (G)
• 25. Djed Spence (D)
• 2. Ezri Konsa (D)
• 6. Marc Guéhi (D)
• 3. Nico O'Reilly (D)
• 8. Elliot Anderson (M)
• 4. Declan Rice (M)
• 20. Noni Madueke (M)
• 10. Jude Bellingham (M)
• 11. Marcus Rashford (M)
• 9. Harry Kane (F)

Substitutes:

• 23. James Trafford
• 13. Dean Henderson
• 12. Trevoh Chalobah
• 5. John Stones
• 15. Dan Burn
• 24. Reece James
• 26. Jarell Quansah
• 21. Eberechi Eze
• 14. Jordan Henderson
• 17. Morgan Rogers
• 16. Kobbie Mainoo
• 19. Ollie Watkins
• 18. Anthony Gordon
• 7. Bukayo Saka
• 22. Ivan Toney

Democratic Republic of Congo

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachSebastian Desabre

Starting lineup:

• 1. Lionel Mpasi Nzau (G)
• 2. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (D)
• 22. Chancel Mbemba (D)
• 4. Axel Tuanzebe (D)
• 26. Arthur Masuaku (D)
• 6. Ngal'ayel Mukau (M)
• 8. Samuel Moutoussamy (M)
• 14. Noah Sadiki (M)
• 7. Nathanaël Mbuku (F)
• 20. Yoane Wissa (F)
• 9. Brian Cipenga (F)

Substitutes:

• 21. Matthieu Epolo
• 16. Timothy Fayulu
• 5. Dylan Batubinsika
• 24. Gedeon Kalulu
• 12. Joris Kayembe
• 3. Steve Kapuadi
• 11. Gaël Kakuta
• 18. Charles Pickel
• 10. Theo Bongonda
• 15. Aaron Tshibola
• 25. Edo Kayembe
• 19. Fiston Mayele
• 17. Cédric Bakambu
• 23. Simon Banza
• 13. Meschak Elia

The World Cup match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo will take place at 23:00 on July 1, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This is a crucial encounter where the mettle of the English stars will be tested by the tenacity of the African team.

England's consistent performance

The England team entered this match with confidence thanks to their impressive recent form. In their last three matches, the "Three Lions" have maintained an unbeaten streak with two wins and one draw. This consistency demonstrates the English players' ability to control the game and effectively capitalize on opportunities.

England's playing style is often based on fluid ball circulation and the mobility of their attacking players. Maintaining consistent form makes them a strong contender to dominate the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The resilience of the Democratic Republic of Congo

On the other side of the battlefield, the Democratic Republic of Congo is not an easy opponent to subdue. Although their form has been somewhat inconsistent with one draw, one loss, and one win in their last three matches, the African representative has proven their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Currently, the Democratic Republic of Congo is in third place in the standings with 4 points.

This position reflects the team's relentless efforts in a highly competitive group. The Democratic Republic of Congo consistently troubles strong opponents with their aggressive, physically demanding style of play and willingness to engage in tackles. This will be a crucial weapon in their confrontation with the technically gifted England team.

Analyzing the match situation

Considering the balance of power and current form, England holds a significant advantage to control the game. However, with a four-point lead, the Democratic Republic of Congo will undoubtedly enter the match with the highest level of determination to seek a favorable result, thereby keeping their hopes alive of progressing further in this year's tournament.

The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium promises to be a captivating clash between the finesse and class of European football and the power and wildness of African football. The ability to capitalize on the opponent's mistakes will be key to determining the outcome of this encounter.

England's recent form

• June 28, 2026: Panama 0-2 England (Winner)
• June 24, 2026: England 0-0 Ghana (Draw)
• June 18, 2026: England 4-2 Croatia (Winner)
• June 11, 2026: England 3-0 Costa Rica (Winner)
• 07/06/2026: England 1-0 New Zealand (Winner)

Recent form of the Democratic Republic of Congo

• June 28, 2026: Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan (Winner)
• June 24, 2026: Colombia 1-0 Democratic Republic of Congo (Loss)
• June 18, 2026: Portugal 1-1 Democratic Republic of Congo (Draw)
• June 9, 2026: Democratic Republic of Congo 1-2 Chile (Loss)
• June 4, 2026: Democratic Republic of Congo 0-0 Denmark (Draw)

Rankings

Team form and statistics

He (the landlord)

Form in the last 5 matches:WDW

Statistics for this season:

• Matches played: 3
• Wins: 2 (1 at home)
• Draw: 1 (1 home game)
• Losses: 0 (0 at home)

Goal:

• Scored: 6 goals (Average: 2.0 goals/match)
• Goals conceded: 2 (Average: 0.7 goals/match)

Democratic Republic of Congo (Guest)

Form in the last 5 matches:DLW

Statistics for this season:

• Matches played: 3
• Wins: 1 (0 away)
• Draw: 1 (1 away game)
• Losses: 1 (1 away game)

Goal:

• Scored: 4 goals (Average: 1.3 goals/match)
• Goals conceded: 3 (Average: 1.0 goal/match)

Force situation

England

• R. James: Hamstring Injury (Missing Fixture)
• J. Quansah: Sprained Ankle (Missing Fixture)

Congo DR:No injury information available.

Predicted lineup

Predictions and odds

Predicted winner:England

Win or draw

Predicted odds:

• Home team wins: 50%
• Draw: 50%
• Guest wins: 0%

Predicted number of goals:

• Home team: -2.5 goals
• Guest: -1.5 table

Advice:Double chance: England or draw