England will be aiming to raise their performance levels as the FIFA World Cup enters the knockout stages, with Thomas Tuchel’s side travelling to Atlanta to face a DR Congo team making history with their first-ever appearance in the last 16.

Despite finishing top of Group L with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama on matchday three, England have yet to fully convince. The Three Lions have looked below their best for long periods of the tournament, although they remain one of the favourites to progress deep into the competition.

Under Tuchel, England have generally delivered when it matters most, winning 10 of their 11 competitive matches (D1). Interestingly, their only competitive game without victory came against African opposition in the group stage against Ghana. African teams have also accounted for half of Tuchel’s failures to win since taking charge of England, with his overall record standing at 13 wins, two draws and two defeats.

Defensive solidity has been central to England’s success, with 14 of their last 15 victories coming alongside a clean sheet. That statistic could prove significant against a DR Congo side who have struggled to make fast starts in front of goal.

The Leopards secured their place in the knockout rounds by finishing third in Group K, sealing qualification as the highest-ranked third-placed side thanks to an impressive 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on the final matchday. Earlier in the tournament they also earned a creditable draw against Portugal, underlining their ability to frustrate Europe’s leading nations.

Although DR Congo have won just one of their last five matches (D2, L2), they are far from an easy side to overcome. They have not lost a competitive match by more than a single goal since March 2022, highlighting their resilience and organisation.

This will be the first-ever meeting between England and DR Congo. England have previously faced African opposition twice in World Cup knockout football and emerged victorious on both occasions.

The statistics suggest a tight affair. Seven of England’s last nine matches have produced fewer than 2.5 goals, while six of their last eight goals have arrived after the interval. Similarly, 13 of DR Congo’s previous 16 matches have also finished with under 2.5 goals, and the Leopards have failed to score within the opening 30 minutes in each of their last ten outings.

Captain Harry Kane remains England’s biggest attacking threat after becoming the nation’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with his strike against Panama. Kane has also scored before half-time in two of England’s last three meetings with African opposition.

For DR Congo, Yoane Wissa has been their standout performer. The Brentford forward has scored three of his country’s four goals at this World Cup and has developed a habit of finding the net at crucial moments, with the second goal of the match in five of his last six international scoring appearances.

England do have concerns over injuries, with Jarell Quansah forced off against Panama and Reece James already unavailable, leaving Tuchel short of options at right-back. DR Congo, meanwhile, are expected to have a fully fit squad available.

While England are expected to have enough quality to progress, DR Congo’s defensive resilience suggests this is unlikely to be a comfortable evening for the Three Lions. A narrow 1-0 England victory appears to be the standout prediction, with another disciplined defensive display potentially proving the difference.