England face dangerous DR Congo test after flat group stage

England has yet to demonstrate their full potential at the World Cup, navigating a group stage with minimal jeopardy but showing concerningly flat performances. Despite securing first place in Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama, their matches against Ghana (a scoreless draw) and Panama highlighted a lack of imagination, attacking threat, and the ruthlessness expected of a title contender. The team's reliance on late goals, as seen against Panama, suggests a need for other players to step up.

The upcoming round of 32 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo presents a significant challenge. DR Congo has already surpassed expectations by reaching this stage, finishing as the highest-ranked third-place team. Their crucial 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, where they came from behind, demonstrated resilience. While they are likely to revert to a defensive formation against England, their performance in the group stage indicates they are a side with nothing to lose and capable of causing an upset.

England faces potential defensive vulnerabilities, particularly at right back, with Reece James sidelined by a hamstring issue and his replacement Jarell Quansah suffering an ankle injury. Djed Spence is expected to fill the role. Key midfielder Declan Rice is anticipated to return to the starting lineup, but overall, the team must elevate its intensity and attacking prowess to overcome a motivated DR Congo side.

For DR Congo, this World Cup marks a significant return after their last appearance in 1974 as Zaire, where they exited without scoring. This time, they have navigated challenges, including pre-tournament disruptions from the Ebola crisis. England, aiming to end a 60-year wait for World Cup success, must significantly improve their game to avoid an early exit against an underdog that has already proven its mettle.