Getting their World Cup Round of 32 charge underway on Wednesday evening, England will meet the D.R. Congo in Atlanta.

With the 2026 World Cup knockout stage now firmly underway, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available from across North America this summer.

Verdict: England win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 1xBet

England

Starting with England, while Thomas Tuchel’s camp might have come under some serious scrutiny on June 23rd as they were eventually forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Ghana in Foxborough, the Three Lions claimed an immediate response last time out. Getting their World Cup adventure underway with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Croatia earlier in the month, the former Chelsea boss saw his superstar squad wrap up top spot in Group L after putting seven points on the board. With their downbeat display against Ghana proving to be nothing more than a minor blip, England are widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a first piece of international silverware since way back in 1966. Handed what is a golden opportunity in Atlanta on Wednesday evening, Tuchel’s camp have gained a reputation for their rugged defensive success. In fact, since getting their pre-tournament preparations underway earlier in the month, the Three Lions have recorded a clean sheet in four of their five matchups in North America so far this summer.

England Team News

In what is a major double blow for England on Wednesday evening, Tuchel’s camp have already confirmed that both Chelsea skipper Reece James and Newcastle star Tino Livramento will miss out here. However, handed a full rest against Panama over the weekend, Arsenal ace Declan Rice will return in the middle of the park.

Set to officially complete a record-breaking move to Premier League giants Manchester City this summer, Elliot Anderson will partner Rice in the middle of the park. Once again finding the net on Saturday and registering three strikes in as many World Cup appearances this summer, talismanic skipper Harry Kane will lead the line in Atlanta.

D.R. Congo

As for D.R. Congo, touching down in North America this summer set to embark on their first World Cup adventure since way back in 1974, the Leopards have shattered a string of records. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits from across the globe, Sebastien Desabre’s camp will arrive in Atalanta with the mood in their camp at an iconic high. Signing off their Group K charge with a famous 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan over the weekend, the former Pyramids boss saw his squad wrap up a deserved bronze medal finish. Getting just their second World Cup campaign underway with a remarkable 1-1 stalemate against European heavyweights Portugal on June 17th, D.R. Congo will be confident of springing some potential headaches in Atalanta on Wednesday evening. However, despite their gritty approach in North America this summer, Desabre’s side will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge in midweek.

D.R. Congo Team News

Signing off a maiden campaign with French giants Lille last month, former Marseille star Chancel Mbemba will lead the D.R. Congo out on Wednesday evening and start at the heart of their defence.

Bagging a famous World Cup brace against Uzbekistan over the weekend and registering three strikes in as many appearances so far this summer, Newcastle striker Joanne Wissa will shoulder plenty of D.R. Congo’s attacking threat. Despite suffering an infamous Premier League relegation with West Ham last season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will start at right-back.

England vs D.R. Congo Key Factors to Consider

• Wednesday’s Round of 16 showdown in Atalanta will be the first meeting between England and D.R. Congo.
• Including their pre-tournament preparations, England have recorded a clean sheet in four of their five appearances in North America this summer.
• Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has registered three goals in as many World Cup appearances so far this summer.
• Despite signing off their Group K adventure with a famous 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan, that is the only win that the D.R. Congo have registered from their last six appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
• Seven of England’s last nine appearances across all fronts have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Making an immediate return to winning ways over the weekend as they secured a 2-0 victory against Panama, England will certainly be hoping for smooth sailing on Wednesday evening. Getting their World Cup knockout stage adventure underway in Atlanta, it is no surprise that the Three Lions are installed as a landslide contender here. Despite facing a D.R. Congo squad who have shattered a string of records in North America this summer, England are their all-star attack will be confident of laying down a marker in midweek.

Verdict: England win to nil

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: 1xBet