England’s next hurdle at the World Cup as the knock-out stages begin is against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
And while they may not be a household football name to a UK audience, DR Congo were the first sub-Saharan African team to qualify for the World Cup and twice won the Africa Cup of Nations, as Zaire.
They have a string of Premier League players – including stars bought for £55million and £50m – and will be a danger to England.
Here, IAN LADYMAN brings you the rundown on DR Congo.
So is this an easy draw for England?
Well it’s easy to think that but there are four teams left in the tournament with a lower FIFA ranking. The lowest ranked remaining team is Ghana at 65 and England have already failed to beat them!
DR Congo come in at 41 which is a place higher than Scotland and is five places higher than they were before they came from behind to beat Uzbekistan on Saturday to seal their progress.
They drew with Portugal in their opening game of this World Cup and beat Senegal back in January in the Africa Cup of Nations. Back in World Cup qualifying they did for Nigeria and Cameroon and also recorded a goalless draw with Denmark in a pre-tournament friendly.
So, no, this will not be a walk in the park for Thomas Tuchel and his team.
Congo’s Sebastien Desabre is known as ‘The Florist’ – because he used to be one
Will they face a dreaded all-out defence again?
Congo’s French coach Sebastien Desabre is incredibly experienced in African football, having worked at clubs all over the continent before coaching Uganda.
He took Congo to the last four of AFCON in 2023 and the last sixteen this year. His style of coaching will be familiar to England supporters who have watched our national team face African nations over the years.
Congo will certainly try to frustrate Tuchel’s players and Desabre has built a strong defensive spine to enable them to do that.
Speaking himself before the tournament, Desabre said: ‘Defensive solidity is the bedrock of our side’. Congo have played sixteen games since the middle of last September and have only conceded more than one goal on one occasion.
When they do get the ball Desabre’s team will try and spring forward quickly. Just like Ghana, in fact, only with a little more effect.
Yoane Wissa leads DR Congo’s celebrations during their win over Uzbekistan on Saturday
Do we know any of their players?
Yes, we certainly do. Remember the former Brentford striker Yoanne Wissa who moved to Newcastle, got injured and then returned looking like he had never played the game before? Well, he is leading the attack for his country here in America and looks like a new man.
Wissa has scored three goals in the tournament so far which is three times as many as he managed in the Premier League last season. Wissa is supported from midfield by Sunderland’s Noah Sidiki – who played 33 league games for the Black Cats last season – while most of the back four are familiar to us also.
It features two former Manchester United players in Aaron Wan Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe and it’s worth remembering that the former was once a £50m full-back when United bought him from Crystal Palace.
Chancel Mbemba played for Newcastle back in the day while Arthur Masuaku is another player on Sunderland’s books.
Colombia find themselves frustrated against Congo – and England could face similar
And what are they saying back at home?
Speaking directly to the players on the eve of the match against England, Congo’s President Tshisekedi delivered a personal message: ‘Step on to the pitch with the serenity of those who have already honored the Nation, but also with the audacity of those who know that history has not yet had its final say.
‘Play with discipline, courage, intelligence, and above all, without regrets.
‘Whatever the adversity, the Democratic Republic of Congo will accompany you with its fervor, its prayers, and its unwavering support.’
But what about their most famous supporter?
Their most famous fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga – known for his statue-like pose honouring the country’s first prime minister Patrice Lumumba – was denied entry to the US.
He went to their defeat by Colombia in Mexico but was not at the win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta and there’s no sign of that changing for the game against England.
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, posing with Desabre, has been unable to enter the United States
Mboladinga was at DR Congo’s match in Mexico but was denied entry to the US
So now I am worried…
Maybe with good reason. England will certainly need to shape up. But Tuchel and his players will know that Congo will have to come out and play at some point and that maybe will not suit them.
Climatic conditions won’t be an issue as the game will be indoors in Atlanta and it’s a big ask for Desabre and his players to hang on for penalties.
They call the Congo manager The Florist and that’s because he used to be one in France. We will leave the quips about a blossoming World Cup nation to the TV commentators.
Have you paid attention to the action so far? Try our World Cup quiz HERE
