England battle DR Congo as USA target historic World Cup win

England is set to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the World Cup on Wednesday, with a place in the last 16 at stake. Meanwhile, co-hosts the USA are gearing up for what is described as the biggest match in their football history.

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I feel it is a privilege to be in these situations. I think we can just accept it, we are the favourites (against DR Congo).

Two European giants, Germany and the Netherlands, have already been knocked out of the tournament after losing penalty shootouts in the Round of 32 to Paraguay and Morocco, respectively. England, aiming to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy, is cautioned by coach Thomas Tuchel against underestimating their opponent. "The games so far in round of 32 speak a very clear language. It's narrow, narrow margins," Tuchel stated, acknowledging DR Congo as favorites but warning of the unpredictable nature of knockout stages.

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The games so far in round of 32 speak a very clear language. It's narrow, narrow margins.

England will rely on star players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, though defender Reece James is sidelined due to injury. DR Congo's squad features many players born outside the nation, including forward Yoane Wissa, who plays in the Premier League. Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who previously represented England at youth levels, are also part of the DR Congo team. DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre emphasized that the pressure is on England, stating, "Our World Cup is already a success relative to our goals."

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Our World Cup is already a success relative to our goals. The pressure is on the England team.

For the USA, the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina represents a pivotal moment in the sport's growth in the country. An estimated 30 million Americans are expected to watch the game, as Christian Pulisic and his teammates aim for their first World Cup knockout win in almost a quarter-century. "We feel the country rallying around us," said US midfielder Gio Reyna. "We also understand if we make a nice run in this tournament, what it could really do for the sport."

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Everyone knows in the back of our minds what this could do for this country. We feel the country rallying around us. We see the momentum it’s bringing to the sport in this country, just through the group stage. But we also understand if we make a nice run in this tournament, what it could really do for the sport.