[Sports News Flash] 2026 World Cup July 2nd: England vs. Democratic Republic of Congo - Match Schedule, Player List, and Expected Starting Lineups

The 2026 CONCACAF World Cup Round of 32 will feature a match on July 2nd between Group L winners England and Group K third-placed Democratic Republic of Congo. As a favorite, England faces their first knockout match, but this game looks set to be a war of attrition. d1ce.casino's exclusive match predictions help you accurately understand the game!

England, as Group L winners, face the Democratic Republic of Congo, a team known for its trouble-making prowess. The Congo's resilient low-block defense, threatening counter-attacks, and in-form goalkeeper are hallmarks of the team in the group stage, making the challenge for England obvious.

Teams participating in the 2026 World Cup finals: England

⚽️ Match Highlights: England vs. Democratic Republic of Congo - Match Analysis

England : A formidable squad, a top favorite

Despite securing first place in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama in the third round of the group stage, England's performance for most of the group stage was somewhat flashy but lackluster, adding a layer of tension as they strive for their fifth consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals. Under Tuchel's leadership, England typically finds their rhythm in official matches, winning 10 of their last 11 (with one draw), their only draw coming against African side Ghana in the group stage.

📍Positive Factors: The return of key midfielder Declan Rice , a crucial defensive midfielder, will significantly enhance the midfield's interception ability and efficiency in transitioning between attack and defense. Furthermore, manager Thomas Tuchel boasts top stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham , giving the team a significantly higher overall value and more tournament experience than their opponents.

📍Negative Factors: Inability to break down dense defenses. In the group stage match against Ghana's "park the bus" defense, England dominated possession with 78.9% but failed to break down the defense, resulting in a 0-0 draw and highlighting their inability to dismantle a tight defensive structure. Furthermore, if the knockout stage goes to extra time or even penalties, England's traditional "penalty curse" could become a heavy psychological burden.

Teams participating in the 2026 World Cup finals: Democratic Republic of Congo. Democratic Republic of Congo : Deploy troops in the backfield and maintain a compact formation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo will deploy a strong defensive line and maintain a compact formation, betting that England will find no openings. With Mbemba leading the defense and the in-form Mpassini, they have the ability to make this match very difficult; coupled with the danger posed by Vesa and Bakambu, England cannot afford to be complacent. Scoring through counter-attacks or set pieces will be Congo's blueprint for an upset victory.

📍Positive Factors: The "5-3-2 defensive formation" is particularly effective against strong teams . The Democratic Republic of Congo excels at low-block defense, having previously held a strong team to a 1-1 draw against Portugal in the group stage with their tenacious defense. Furthermore , they have never lost by more than one goal in this tournament . With no pressure and high morale, their historic first-ever qualification for the World Cup's Round of 32 has already exceeded expectations. The team is in a relaxed, "barefoot" state.

📍Negative Factors: The immense physical exertion and prolonged low-post defense mean players must travel long distances during counter-attacks, posing a significant challenge to their stamina in the second half. Furthermore, due to visa issues in the United States, their renowned "guardian" and spiritual leader, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, will be unable to attend the game in Atlanta, USA.

📊 Key pre-match statistics and injury list

📍England 's expected starting lineup ( 4-2-3-1 ):

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders : Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly

Defensive midfielders : Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice

Attacking midfielders : Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford

Forward : Harry Kane

England injured players: Reece James (leg injury), Jarell Quansah (ankle injury)

📍The Democratic Republic of Congo's starting lineup ( 5-3-2 ):

Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi

Defenders : Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika, Arthur Masuaku

Midfielders : Charles Pickel, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe

Forwards : Meschack Elia, Yoane Wissa

Democratic Republic of Congo wounded soldiers: There are no wounded soldiers in the team.

⚽️ England vs. Democratic Republic of Congo Match Result Prediction and Betting Analysis

According to big data analysis, England's win rate in regular time is 73.9%–75.2% , and their draw probability in regular time is 14.8%–17.2% . The Democratic Republic of Congo's upset win rate is 7.4%–11.3%.

Among the current odds offered by the three major European bookmakers (Betfred, Highbet, and Parimatch), an England win is around 1.27 to 1.29 , a draw is around 4.90 to 5.0 , and a Democratic Republic of Congo win is around 11.50 to 13.00 .

England national team squad for 2026 World Cup

Head Coach: Thomas Tuchel

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Nico O'Reilly

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, James Garner, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers.

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney

Democratic Republic of Congo roster for the 2026 World Cup

Head Coach: Sebastien Desabre

Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi

Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika, Rocky Bushiri, Gedeon Kalulu, Steve Kapuadi, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Midfielders: Theo Bongonda, Brian Cipenga, Meshack Elia, Gael Kakuta, Edo Kayembe, Nathanael Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Charles Pickel, Noah Sadiki

Forwards: Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa

💰 d1ce.casino exclusive odds prediction and analysis

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