England v DR Congo: Three stats-related bets for Wednesday's knockout tie

England timing it well or is their best not good enough?

Click here for England v DR Congo odds
Wednesday, 17:00
Live on BBC One

Have England's performances at the World Cup been disappointing so far or are they doing enough and quietly building momentum as the tournament goes on?

At the longest World Cup ever, with this extra knockout round of 32, it may pay not to peak too soon. On the other hand, England fans may remember World Cups, such as 2006 and 2010, at which their team never really got going. You have to bring your A-game at some point if you want to win.

DR Congo will be an interesting test for Thomas Tuchel's men. This is the first fixture between the nations but we saw England struggle against African opposition when they drew 0-0 with Ghana in their second group match.

England are 1/41.25 favourites and, if you want detailed previews, read Ste Tudor and Dave Tindall, but here are three quick Opta stats and related tips for Wednesday match.

Tip#1 - Back England to score three or more

England will face an African team in a FIFA World Cup knockout stage match for just the third time, following wins over Cameroon (3-2 in the 1990 quarter-final) and Senegal (3-0 in the 2022 round of 16). They scored three goals in both those games, can they do it again?

Tip#2 - Back DR Congo to deny England

England have only failed to win four of their 17 games under Thomas Tuchel (D2 L2), although half of those non-victories have been in their two matches against African sides (1-3 v Senegal in June 2025 and 0-0 v Ghana on MD2 of this FIFA World Cup). 

Tip#3 - Back Kane for first goalscorer

Harry Kane is now England's all-time top scorer at the FIFA World Cup (11 goals). If he scores in this match, he will move level with Geoff Hurst (4) for knockout stage goals in the competition, with only Gary Lineker (6) netting more than four for the Three Lions.

Now read our guide to how England can make the World Cup Final