DR Congo are set to take on England tonight for a place in the World Cup round of 16. Sebastien Desabre's side booked their place in the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams in a group containing Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Group Stage Journey
After holding Portugal to a draw in their opening group game, they lost 1-0 to Colombia before coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan and seal a first-ever meeting with England in the round of 32. DR Congo’s squad is made up of several current and former Premier League players, including Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, who is level with Harry Kane on three World Cup goals so far this tournament.
Key Players to Watch
With so much Premier League interest, Standard Sport ran the rule over which players to look out for in the DR Congo squad.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Lionel M'Pasi is the first-choice goalkeeper who has played every minute for the Leopards. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, recently relegated with West Ham, is a Croydon-born full-back who made three appearances for England’s youth teams. Ironically, he played as a striker for DR Congo against England in 2015. Chancel Mbemba, a former Newcastle defender, is DR Congo’s captain with over 100 international appearances. Axel Tuanzebe, now at Burnley after coming through Manchester United’s academy, made 12 England appearances across various age groups. Arthur Masuaku, currently at Sunderland after leaving West Ham, has made over 100 Premier League appearances.
Midfielders
Nathanael Mbuku is a former French wonderkid who made two senior appearances for Les Bleus. He declared for DR Congo two years ago. Samuel Moutoussamy is a mainstay of DR Congo’s midfield who will be tasked with stopping Jude Bellingham and co. Noah Sadiki is a Sunderland midfielder tipped for big things and potentially on the move this summer. Theo Bongonda, a former Belgian youth international, is currently without a club, so he is playing with a point to prove in something of a problem position for DR Congo.
Forwards
Gael Kakuta was meant to be the next big thing when he arrived at Chelsea in 2007 in a controversial deal that saw the west London club serve a transfer ban. He rebuilt his career after leaving the Blues and is now 35. Cedric Bakambu is a veteran forward best remembered for his time at Villarreal, with 21 goals in 72 games for DR Congo. Yoane Wissa is far and away DR Congo’s best player and goalscorer. He has found form at the World Cup after a difficult season at Newcastle.
Match Preview
DR Congo will rely on their Premier League experience to challenge England. With Wissa leading the attack and a solid defensive core, they aim to cause an upset and advance further in the tournament.
