England 2-1 Congo DR: result and AI prediction

AI match recap

England enter the knockout tie in strong shape overall, but this is not a completely clean setup. Reece James' absence changes the balance of their right side, while Bukayo Saka's improved fitness gives them a lift in wide areas. DR Congo are inconsistent but dangerous if the match opens up and England leave transition space. The likely script is England controlling territory, with the key question being how cleanly they turn that control into chances.

Injuries and absences

James' absence strips England of their most natural overlap and delivery from right-back, so Tuchel must either use a safer defender there or a less rehearsed attacking option. That changes both the service to England's right winger and the recovery shape against DR Congo's counters.

Form (last 5)

England vs Congo DR stats

Unavailable players

Other World Cup matches

• South Africa – Canada
• Brazil – Japan
• Germany – Paraguay
• Netherlands – Morocco
• Ivory Coast – Norway
• France – Sweden
• Mexico – Ecuador
• Belgium – Senegal