Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa is running hot with DR Congo after being frozen out at St James' Park during a long, hard winter on Tyneside. The 29-year-old has already matched his three Premier League goals at the World Cup finals, scoring against Portugal, Uzbekistan, and a penalty, transforming his narrative from a Newcastle flop to a key threat ahead of tonight's clash with England.
Wissa's Tough Start at Newcastle
Wissa's last Premier League start came in February, when he was hauled off during Newcastle's 3-2 home defeat to his old club Brentford after missing a golden chance to make it 2-0. He ended the season with just three Toon goals, a tally he has equaled at the World Cup. The £55m signing drove himself to Newcastle to push through an 11th-hour deadline day move last summer, but a knee injury within days of being paraded as the club's no.9 delayed his debut until December. He missed the African Cup of Nations out of respect to the Magpies, returning to score only three times before the season ended.
World Cup Resurgence
Wissa has shown why Newcastle signed him 10 months ago with impressive performances for DR Congo. One stunning header against Portugal, a sizzling strike against Uzbekistan, and a well-taken penalty have changed the narrative for a player who jetted to the World Cup as a flop in the eyes of the Toon faithful. Before setting off, Wissa vowed: "I am just a soldier. I will keep going. I want the fans to know the love I have for this shirt. Looking forward to next season, I understand how big this club is, I hope I'm going to do better. It's such a privilege. I just want to wear the shirt."
Wissa's Threat to England
Wissa has previously got the better of England defenders John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guéhi. In 2024, he easily got away from Stones in the first minute to head home past the Man City defence. He caused Konsa issues by scoring in a 3-3 draw at Villa Park in April 2024, and rose high above Guehi during his Crystal Palace days to snare a 1-1 draw. For a 5ft 9in striker, he has scored 23 career goals with his head, and his movement, clinical finishing, and pace make him DR Congo's dangerman.
Eddie Howe's Faith
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe always felt Wissa's best moments were ahead of him. He said: "He didn't train a lot in the summer so obviously had a gap there in his physical preparation for the season and then picked up an injury on international duty. That's very, very difficult to adjust to mid-season. You have a six-week pre-season for a reason to get players adjusted and ready for a new season. We haven't been able to do that with him, but he has been doing a lot of work behind the scenes on his fitness. He has just come back from another injury and we are hoping his best moments are ahead of him."
DR Congo's Defensive Strength
With West Ham defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe, and Sunderland's Arthur Masuaku in the DR Congo ranks, England's attack should face no surprises. The trio will play in a back five which has been in good form. Masuaku's time at Sunderland was brief before a loan to Lens, but teammate Noah Sadiki lit up the Stadium of Light after a £15m move. He could partner Edo Kayembe, who has Premier League experience with Watford. Underestimate DR Congo and Wissa at your peril.
