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England have somewhat struggled to break down teams sitting in a low block defensively, with a failure to find the net against Ghana followed by 62 minutes of drought against Panama.
It was somewhat fitting that the Three Lions’ opener against the Panamanians came from a set piece, which has become a real area of strength for Thomas Tuchel’s side – it’s a useful resource in big tournament football, where the margins are often so small.
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After taking a point from Portugal in their opener, DR Congo went down by a one-goal margin against Colombia.
They needed to win their last game against Uzbekistan to have any chance of reaching the knockout stage, so credit to them for that 3-1 victory – Newcastle United’s Yoana Wissa notching a brace.
A midday kick-off local time (17:00 BST) in a stadium with air conditioning, the weather is unlikely to be a factor on Wednesday.
England v DR Congo tips
England to Win & Both Teams to Score (No) @ 8/11 (Bet365)
England Over 6.5 Corners @ 5/6 (Bet365)
England -4.0 Corner Handicap @ 21/20 (Bet365)
Odds courtesy of Bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Lions to outfox the Leopards
It could be same old, same old for England as they face another side happy to sit in a low block and concede possession.
DR Congo had just 36% possession against Colombia and a lowly 25% against Portugal, which confirms that they’re happy to sit deep and try to push this game into extra time or penalties.
The Three Lions, and Golden Boot-chasing Harry Kane in particular, will want to hunt down the Leopards inside 90 minutes, and while they haven’t always looked convincing against teams that set up in this fashion, they showed against Panama that they have more than one way to break the deadlock.
Tip: England to Win & Both Teams to Score (No) @ 8/11 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if England win and keep a clean sheet into the bargain.
Corner kings
Against both Colombia and Portugal, DR Congo sat in a defensive shape that resembled a 5-3-2, causing traffic in the middle of the pitch and forcing the ball into wide areas.
Panama and Ghana did something similar against England, which resulted in Thomas Tuchel’s side winning seven and nine corners in those games respectively.
Consequently, it’s easy to see how England might earn seven or more corners against Congo. Even if they score early, they won’t go into their shells – the Leopards won’t come out of theirs until late on, either.
Tip: England Over 6.5 Corners @ 5/6 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if England win seven or more corners.
Wide boys
England won the corner count in their three group games 8-2, 9-2 and 7-3.
Given the pattern of play we are expecting on Wednesday, there’s no reason to assume that the Three Lions won’t swarm Congo and be dangerous in wide areas – a scenario which often leads to a high corner count.
We don’t expect Congo to offer much beyond the odd counter-attack while the game state is a draw, or only looking to force the issue late on if England are winning by one or two, which should keep their corner count low.
As such, the -4.0 handicap in England’s favour looks fair game at the price.
Tip: England -4.0 Corner Handicap @ 21/20 (Bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if England have five or more corners than Congo. If England have four more corners than Congo, our stake is returned. Three or fewer and we lose.
England vs DR Congo: Match result odds
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