ENGLAND are through to the last 16, but DR Congo are not here to make up the numbers. The Leopards came from behind in the group stage and carry more Premier League quality than most teams at this tournament. Before you weigh up the England vs Congo odds and call this one done, here are the five DR Congo players England’s defence cannot afford to sleep on.
Yoane Wissa
If DR Congo have a player who can single-handedly ruin England’s evening, it is Wissa. The Newcastle forward brings pace, directness, and an eye for goal that caused problems throughout the group phase. He leads the line for the Leopards and loves running in behind, which means England’s centre-backs will need to hold their line and stay alert from the first whistle. He is the name on the opposition tactics board above all others, and probably yours too.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Here is the awkward one for England fans. Wan-Bissaka grew up in the English system, spent years at Crystal Palace and Manchester United, and then switched international allegiance to DR Congo. He knows exactly how England play and where the spaces open up. The West Ham right-back loves to get forward and has the athleticism to punish any left-sided player who loses concentration. He will understand England’s defensive shape better than most opponents at this World Cup. That information cuts both ways.
Chancel Mbemba
England will be aware of Mbemba’s qualities at the back, but the DR Congo captain also poses a threat from set pieces. With 107 international caps, he is the heartbeat of this squad and his reading of the game raises the level of the players around him. Experienced defenders who lead their team’s set-piece attacks have cost England before, and Mbemba has the physicality and composure to do exactly that. Do not write him off because he plays in defence.
Cedric Bakambu
Bakambu is 35 and one goal away from breaking DR Congo’s all-time scoring record. Motivated strikers chasing history are not the kind of opponent you want in a knockout game. The Real Betis forward brings hold-up play, aerial presence, and big-game experience that a younger squad feeds off. He may not start every minute, but when Bakambu comes on, he arrives with a point to prove, and a record to chase.
Ngal’ayel Mukau
The least-known name on this list and arguably the one who could hurt England the most. The Lille midfielder has the vision to pick passes through a compact defence and the energy to arrive late into the box. England’s midfield will need to track him because if Mukau gets time on the ball in the final third, he is the type to find Wissa or Bakambu with a pass that changes everything.
England will fancy their chances, but eyes open
DR Congo are a live threat, not a formality, and definitely have the ability to upset the football betting markets. Five players with Premier League connections, a captain with over 100 caps, and a striker chasing a national record. Atlanta has the ingredients for a far more uncomfortable afternoon than England’s supporters are expecting.
Article written by Ellie Rose
