World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 32: England v DR Congo

Match 80: England v Congo
Location: Atlanta Stadium
Time: 4:00am, Thursday 2 July
Head to Head: First meeting

Key Stats

• England has record 15 clean sheets in its last 19 games
• Under 2.5 goals is 13-3 in Congo’s last 16 games
• Harry Kane has averaged 4.3 shots per game in the group phase
• England has scored more than 2 goals in only 2 of its last 9 games

Preview

England’s potential finishing position in Group L changed multiple times throughout the course of the final group game. Croatia jumped them when they took the lead midway through the first half against Ghana but the English nerves settled when Bellingham gave them the lead on the hour mark. Kane then struck five minutes later to seal a 2-0 win and a date with Congo instead of Portugal. It was a second consecutive clean sheet for England who have now held 15 of their previous 19 opponents to nil.

With a long list of well-known names such as Kane, Bellingham and Saka the general perception is that England are an mazing attacking side. It is not actually the case and they have scored more than two goals in only 2 of their last 9. It has more to do with their style of play than anything else. They ranked 3rd in possession but a lot of that is lateral passing rather that penetrating/searching passes. Would like to see them play more to their strengths which are size and speed. Both goals against Panama were headers so there is no need to imitate Spain with excessive short passing.

Congo would love nothing more than England to use patient build up as they were the exact tactics that Portugal used in the opening group game. They came away with a 1-1 draw despite having only 25% possession and have shown us that they can defend for extended periods. Congo has conceded 2+ goals in only 1 of its last 16 games so look for them to be within striking distance for the entirety of the contest. Under 2.5 goals is 13-3 in Congo’s last 16 and that is the direction we will be sticking with the best bet.

Player To Watch

As deep as the English squad is, their success in this tournament rests very heavily on Harry Kane. He is more than just a prolific scorer as he is a big target in the final third that draw multiple defenders. Has hit the target with 6 of his 13 shots (3 goals) and is extremely efficient with his touches. The game plan for England should be early ball to Kane any way possible. For Congo, Yoane Wissa is the best option in any player prop markets as he has 9 shots for the tournament.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($1.88)
Other: HT/FT – Draw/England ($3.75)
Correct Score: England 1-0 ($5.60)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – NO, Kane 2+ Shots on Target, Wissa 2+ Shots