England played DR Congo today in Round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA). Normal service for European giants is at a also reasonable 5pm BST with the chance to secure a last 16 berth. Five storylines that could affect how this game goes:
1. England’s Right Back Problem
An injury to Jarell Quansah and Reece James sees the former (above) drop out for this one. Djed Spence comes in at right-back, a position England have not been entirely assured in throughout the tournament. This space could be targeted early (with fast) attacks on the wide positions. It is that pressure which Spence must deal with, but how he does so could define how England defend today.
2. Yoane Wissa Against a Rested Defense
Yoane Wissa has scored two goals at this World Cup — one more than he mustered during his club campaign. He tends to play upfront on his own, using his pace and clinical finishing. Only two teams have scored against England in three matches, so the defence has looked solid so far. Wissa vs. England’s back line will bank the defining moments of the game.
3. Can England Break Down a Low Block Early
Ghana and Panama both went deep against England and made hard work of it. The formation willed to their favour in DR Congo, with coach Sebastien Desabre opting for a well marshaled back line. At least England will have some semblance of a break, having failed to score in two of their three group stage matches at halftime. Scoring early in second half would relieve pressure in the match
4. Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe Facing Their Old Path
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe: Both played for England’s youth setup before changing allegiance. They wore them now, for DR Congo — the country that raised these men around their foundation. DR Congo also have a defensive advantage that few other debut nations can boast thanks to their Premier League experience. Attacking England — that will be a story to follow closely.
5. A First Ever Knockout Game for DR Congo
It has also been the first time DR Congo have ever played in a World Cup knockout match. Sometimes an occasion such as this transcends what a team would normally find itself capable of. And it can bring the nerves you see in the final third. That ability to handle pressure early is likely the key to determining how competitive DR Congo remains in this contest.
Match Details
The game gets underway from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 5pm BST. England finished top of Group L and DR Congo qualified as one of the best third placed teams. The victor would earn a spot into the Round of 16, where they would meet either Ecuador or Mexico.