The Three Lions Face The Leopards With A Place In The Last 16 Up For Grabs
Atlanta Stadium, USA | 2026 World Cup Round of 32 | Wednesday, July 1 | 5pm BST
Fresh off the back of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane’s goals against Panama, BetVictor News, delivers the in-depth England vs DR Congo preview – including the score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- England vs DR Congo prediction: Three Lions tame the Leopards
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
England Vs DR Congo Preview
Although it wasn’t pretty, England got the job done against Panama on Saturday night to claim top spot in Group L. Jude Bellingham starred as he scored and laid on the assist for Harry Kane’s record-breaking 11th World Cup goal.
And with the Real Madrid and Bayern stars looking at their best in the 2-0 win, the England vs DR Congo odds strongly suggest the Three Lions adventure will continue beyond Wednesday afternoon. However, the Africans aren’t likely to make it easy in Atlanta.
Just ask Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. struggled against the Leopards in their MD1 group stage fixture. The 1-1 draw indicates that Sebastien Desabre’s side are tricky opponents to navigate. After all, they did accumulate four points to advance to the knockouts for the first time in their history.
England Vs DR Congo H2H Record
Earning their spot in the World Cup dark horses list after their group stage heroics, DR Congo will get to test themselves against England for the first time ever. In terms of European opponents, the Leopards have won just won of their five previous encounters (vs Romania).
As for the Three Lions, they have won both of their H2H knockout clashes against African sides in the World Cup. The first was a 3-2 quarter-final win vs Cameroon at Italia ’90 and the most recent came against Senegal in 2022. Goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka ensured a Round of 16 3-0 win in Qatar.
England Vs DR Congo Team News
England’s right-back position has been the source of hot debate this week. Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both crocked and there is no Trent Alexander-Arnold to call upon. Therefore, Djed Spence will almost certainly be given the nod. Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are also primed to start.
As for DR Congo, some familiar faces will be lining up against the Three Lions. Namely Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa and West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka as well as former Man United defender Axel Tuanzebe. On the injury front, no fresh problems have arisen.
England’s last six in all comps:
WDWWWL
DR Congo’s last six in all comps:
WLDLDW
England Vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups
England predicted lineup:
Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane
DR Congo predicted lineup:
Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Wissa, Bakambu
England Vs DR Congo TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
England vs DR Congo is available to watch live in the UK on BBC One (kick-off 5pm). Streaming is also available on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
England Vs DR Congo Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- This will be the first ever clash between the two nations
- England World Cup stats – England have won both World Cup knockout games against African opponents
- DR Congo World Cup stats – Over their last ten meetings, DR Congo haven’t scored before the 30 minute mark
Top Betting Angles for England vs DR Congo
Under 2.5 goals: Seven of England’s last nine have produced under 2.5, 13 of DR Congo’s last 16 also saw less than 2.5 goals. Online at 17/20.
BTTS (No): England have kept back-to-back clean sheets. Available at 2/5.
Anytime goalscorers: Harry Kane (4/5), Jude Bellingham (2/1), Marcus Rashford (2/1) and Bukayo Saka (2/1) all offer value.
England VS Dr Congo Prediction
With DR Congo likely to line up with a back five, we are going to back a low-scoring England victory. The Three Lions have enough quality in their ranks via Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka to get the job done against the Leopards.
Prediction: England 2-0 DR Congo (19/5)
If you intend to bet on England vs DR Congo then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 2pm on June 30, 2026 and are subject to change.
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