World Cup Day 21 Tipsheet: England to squeeze past disciplined DR Congo

England vs DR Congo Tip - Back underdogs to trouble Tuchel's patched-up defence

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Wednesday, 17:00 Live on BBC One

England have made it through to the knock-out stages of the tournament, despite very few convincing moments in Group L.

Thomas Tuchel has been forced into defensive reshuffles owing to injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah, whereas midfielder Declan Rice was also given the night off on Saturday as a long and arduous season begins to take its toll on this squad. Nevertheless, the Three Lions still have ample quality within their squad, including Jude Bellingham, who put in yet another determined performance against Panama.

Tuchel's men struggled to break down Ghana eight days ago, and DR Congo may opt to follow this blueprint. England weren't able to get behind the Black Stars' well-organised back-line, and the fans were left frustrated by their lack of Plan B.

DR Congo were the better side against Portugal, and battered Uzbekistan. Although they were second best against Colombia, they managed to restrict the South American outfit to just a single goal.

England should win this and set up a date with Mexico in the Azteca, but DR Congo will not go down without a fight. They are dangerous going forward, and England's defence looks shaky, allowing Panama 13 shots during the 90 minutes. DR Congo's forward line, led by Yoann Wissa, is likely to be far more clinical, and they are likely to find a way past Jordan Pickford. BTTS is tremendous value.

Belgium vs Senegal Tip - Back a highly entertaining clash in Seattle

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Wednesday, 21:00 Live on ITV

Belgium failed to impress during their opening couple of group matches, yet they found their attacking verve against minnows New Zealand in the final Group G contest. Rudi Garcia's side have ample talent in the squad, with Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard stealing the show earlier in the week. Romelu Lukaku looks unfit and isn't likely to complete more than 70 minutes, but he gives the Red Devils the option to go long and still has the knack of keeping the opposition defence occupied.

They should get plenty of joy against a Senegal side that will fly forward and attack with plenty of width. That approach is highly entertaining, but it also leaves gaps, which Belgium will look to exploit.

Senegal have had an extra 24 hours to prepare for this fixture and are yet to draw a blank at this tournament. They've netted eight times, with BTTS landing in both of the games in which they went off as underdogs. Sadio Mane still poses a threat, Ismaila Sarr has looked sharper as the tournament has progressed, and Monaco duo Krepin Diatta and Lamine Camara will occupy attacking areas at every opportunity,

This should be a fantastic watch and a thoroughly entertaining contest.

USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Tip - Back the US to prevail in a tight 90 minutes

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Thursday, 01:00 Live on BBC One

Having flown out of the blocks at this tournament, the USA were able to shuffle their pack for the final Group D contest. Mauricio Pochettino won't be overly concerned by his side's 3-2 loss to Turkey, with the USMNT firing in more shots than their opponents and generally looking sharp in the final third, despite the changes.

The US have certainly looked adventurous and energetic going forward, although there are still concerns about the ageing defence. Nevertheless, they look to have been given a fairly favourable schedule, and the co-hosts will be expected to get the better of a pragmatic Bosnia outfit who finished third in Group B and required a play-off to seal their participation at this tournament.

Both of these teams have overperformed their xG, with the USA netting eight times from 4.60, whereas their opponents have created just 1.9 xG but somehow scored five goals. The Bosnians aren't renowned for their attacking instincts and are far more likely to sit deep, soak up the pressure and try to take advantage of set-piece situations. They were lucky to take a point off Canada, but Switzerland easily swept them aside in the second half of their Group B contest.

With key performers returning to the side, including Christian Pulisic, the USA should be able to get their noses in front and edge past their opponents, who will fight for every ball and aim to spoil the party for the co-hosts at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Notable winners on Betting.Betfair so far at the 2026 World Cup...

- Mark Stinchcombe's stunning 38/139.00 Bet Builder in South Korea v Czechia
- Paul Higham's 9/25.50 Bet Builder in Mexico's MD1 defeat of South Africa
- Paul also tipped 13/53.60 (Canada v Bosnia) & 15/82.88 (Brazil v Morocco) draws
- A 6/17.00 winning ACCA for Mark on Sunday at the World Cup
- Andy Robson's 9/110.00 five-leg ACCA as Germany wallop Curacao
- A 13/53.60 winner for Paul as France beat Senegal with both teams scoring
- Paul's at it again, an 11/43.75 winning Best Bet in Switzerland v Bosnia
- An 11/26.50 winner for Jimmy The Punt as Jonathan David scores 2+ goals
- Paul's 2/13.00 headline tip in Germany v Ivory Coast was a winner
- Jack Critchley delivered a 5/16.00 goalscorer treble on day 13

Jack's Day 21 Treble - Back these three selections at 11/26.50

Check out all of our World Cup 2026 betting tips