The Round of 32 continues on Wednesday and for the first time England face off against DR Congo for a place in the last-16 of the competition.
The heat has been cranked up a notch as the knockout stages for the FIFA World Cup have started, and for the first time England face off against DR Congo for a place in the last-16 of the competition.
It might not have been plain sailing for the Three Lions in Group L, but they achieved their number one goal of topping the group. Their opponents were one of nine African teams to reach this stage, securing four points from a possible nine in a group that included powerhouses Portugal and Colombia.
We’ve assessed the World Cup betting market for a Bet Builder, which pays out at 11/1 if successful in the World Cup betting market.
England v DR Congo Bet Builder Tips
Over 2.5 goals @ 7/8
Harry Kane to score anytime @ 4/7
Jude Bellingham to score or assist @ 10/11
Yoane Wissa to score anytime @ 15/4
Pays out at 11/1
Goals should be expected
By England’s standards from past tournaments of late, they have not really hit the heights they should be doing with the quality of players they have amongst their ranks.
However, with Harry Kane leading the line and getting his third goal of the competition in the 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday evening, anything is possible when their captain is bang in form.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were uninspiring in their 0-0 draw with Ghana last week, but they showed levels they can get to in the second half against Croatia. They have six goals in three games now, and they will be confident of getting past their opposition.
DR Congo should not be overlooked, however, especially when you combine that with how shaky England have been in defence at times.
Congo enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their final group game to seal their passage to this stage, and they will surely put up a fight. With it now being a straight knockout, goals can be expected in what could be an entertaining match-up.
Leg 1: Over 2.5 goals @ 7/8
Kane in-form to lead the line
As already mentioned, when Kane is on form, anything is possible. The Bayern Munich forward is one of the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and he will be keen to continue putting the pressure on his golden boot rivals.
The forward wrote himself into the history books on Saturday, as his goal against Panama moved him clear of Gary Lineker on most goals for England in major tournaments with 18. When you add the fact that he has 82 goals in 116 appearances overall, his record should put the fear into any defence left in the competition.
Kane delivered a captain’s performance against Croatia, converting a penalty at the second attempt when his first had to be retaken, and also scoring a well-timed header from a corner. His presence in the 18-yard box is so important if England want to progress further in the competition, and with the quality he has behind him, he is sure to get one or two chances in a must-win contest.
Leg 2: Harry Kane to score anytime @ 4/7
Jude to make his presence felt
England may not have produced their best performances at this year’s World Cup, but Jude Bellingham is certainly doing his bit to change that after another strong performance against Panama.
The Real Madrid forward got himself on the scoresheet just after the hour mark, and five minutes later, assisted Kane to put his side further ahead. It was a second goal in three matches for Bellingham, who is likely to have a big role to play on Wednesday.
Bellingham’s presence on the ball is a massive advantage for England, as he can pick the ball up from anywhere on the pitch and drive forward at a real pace to open up opportunities for his teammates.
If England are to find the back of the net against DR Congo, he is likely to be one of the reasons why.
Leg 3: Jude Bellingham to score or assist @ 10/11
Wissa can have his say
Tuchel’s side are obvious favourites to progress into the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, but there have been times already where they have been caught out. Conceding two goals in 45 minutes against Croatia was not ideal, while they were nearly broken down on a couple of occasions against Ghana.
DR Congo know the pressure is all on England, and with an unsettled back four, with Reece James once again injured, their pacey forward line will fancy themselves to get in behind.
Up steps Yoane Wissa. The Newcastle forward might not have had the best of seasons since joining the Magpies from Brentford in a big-money move, but he found the net on two occasions against Uzbekistan, and that has come at the right time for his side.
Wissa is also responsible for set-pieces – he netted a penalty in that 3-1 victory last time out – while he also found the back of the net against Portugal in DR Congo’s opening game of the World Cup.
If they are to think about causing a major upset, then Wissa is the man who needs to be on his game.
Leg 4: Yoane Wissa to score anytime @ 15/4
