England v DR Congo Betting Pointers: Second-half drama likely while Anderson and Rice can combine in 13/1 Bet Builder

England cannot repeat another Panama showing

Click here for England v DR Congo odds
Wednesday 1 July, 17:00 kick-off
Live on BBC1
Mercedez-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

England's closing group game against Panama on Saturday evening was accompanied by a good deal of relief.

For a full hour, Thomas Tuchel's men toiled against inferior fare, and furthermore gave up plenty of shots - if not, genuine chances - at the back.

It was the best player on the pitch - Jude Bellingham - who remedied matters with a goal and an assist, and another prominent showing from the Real Madrid man is critical looking ahead to Atlanta.

For those keen to back more of the same, he is 1/12.00 to score or assist once again.

Worries, however, remain about that defence. Injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah means there is an issue at right-back to address while let's not forget that England's back-line looked susceptible against Ghana, on the rare occasions they showed ambition.

Bluntly put, if the Three Lions put in a similar performance midweek they are at serious risk of being dumped from this tournament much earlier than anticipated.

Let's hope Tuchel is right when stating that his team will improve in the 'bigger' games. They need to.

Back plenty of shots but not many goals

DR Congo will very likely return to the 5-3-2 set-up that served them well when securing a draw against Portugal.

It was a result that surprised but perhaps it shouldn't given how excellently-drilled the Leopards' rearguard has been since the appointment of head coach Sébastien Desabre midway through 2022.

In his 57 games in charge, they have conceded 2+ goals only five times. On each of those occasions they were deprived of their European-based players.

Under 2.5 goals can be bakced at 10/111.91

At the other end, Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu make up a dangerous pairing, especially now that the former has put his injury woes behind him.

They can, and most probably will, trouble England throughout.

Heavy favourites to win, and having taken on the fifth highest number of shots in this tournament, England will also no doubt rack up chances and a high volume of shots feels inevitable if the game comes alive.

Game to pick up pace after the break

For a sustained period under Southgate, it was always logical to back early goals where England was concerned. Now, the opposite applies.

Twelve of their last 18 goals have been converted in the second period of contests while DR Congo have accrued a recent habit of scoring late.

All three of their goals v Uzbekistan came in the last 'quarter'.

There is a trend too for initial caution in the first knock-out games in World Cups. Four years ago the data was pretty standard, with a slim majority of goals scored beyond the group stage coming after the break. But in 2018, 17 of the 24 goals in the first knock-out clashes occurring in the second half.

In 2014, six of the eight games were goalless at half-time.

Try this 5/16.00 DR Congo player prop Bet Builder

If the Leopards are fancied to flash their claws then Wissa is an obvious punt in the shots market.
The Newcastle forward registered six efforts against Uzbekistan, scoring twice.

The 29-year-old has twice previously scored when coming up against Marc Guehi and goes into this viewing the England back-line as his Premier League equals.

Edo Kayembe meanwhile is expected to return to DR Congo's midfield, to add some bite.

The Genk man committed five fouls combined against Portugal and Colombia.

Lionel Mpasi-Nzai also interests in nets, the La Havre keeper making eight saves vs Colombia.

England's tournament to date may be a mixed bag but they have certainly brought out the best in opposition stoppers, with Croatia's Dominik Livakovic making seven in their opener.

A 13/1 England player prop Bet Builder

Staying with fouls, Elliot Anderson has committed eight so far, the second highest number in the tournament, and he will be tasked on Wednesday to suppress a physical DR Congo engine-room.

His cause will be strengthened by the return of Declan Rice, the Arsenal metronome having shaken off a knock, and he appeals in the new 'Player shots created' market.

Rice boasts the best chances-per-90 ratio (5.6) of any player who has made two or more appearances.

Lastly, Jude Bellingham stands out for tackles made. Charged with charging forward, he also found the time to complete a tackle every 24 minutes across the group stage.

Don't forget that Betfair is offering Bet £10 Get £10 offer for all World Cup Bet Builders!

Now read all the best Opta stats for the Round of 32 games here