England’s knockout campaign gets underway in Atlanta today as the Three Lions take on DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Thomas Tuchel’s side topped Group L after opening their World Cup with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia before following it up with a goalless draw against Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama, keeping clean sheets in each of their final two group matches.
Despite finishing top of the group, England came under criticism for their lack of cutting edge in the latter stages of the group phase.
They failed to find the net against Ghana and were unable to break down Panama until after the hour mark, leading some to question whether they have the attacking spark to go deep in the tournament.
They now have the perfect opportunity to answer those critics with an emphatic performance against DR Congo, a side they face as overwhelming 1/10 favourites to reach the last 16.
England vs DR Congo: Sky Bet preview for tonight’s Round of 32 clash at the World Cup
Those expecting one of the biggest shocks of the tournament can back DR Congo at 5/1 to knock out one of the pre-tournament favourites and book their place in the next round.
DR Congo impressed during the group stage, which included a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan and holding pre-tournament contenders Portugal to a surprise 1-1 draw.
Their only defeat came in a hard-fought encounter with Colombia, where Daniel Munoz’s 76th-minute strike proved the difference in a narrow 1-0 loss.
It was a resilient group-stage showing that underlined their defensive organisation and ensured they progressed to the knockout rounds with confidence.
Alongside the match odds, Sky Bet are offering one Super Boost and four Price Boosts for today’s contest.
The Super Boost has been enhanced from 1/2 to 1/1 and requires Jude Bellingham to register at least one shot on target (including extra time).
The midfielder has enjoyed an impressive tournament so far, scoring in two of his three starts.
There are also four Price Boosts available, all of which include extra time. They are Bellingham to score or assist at 11/8, Harry Kane to score two or more goals at 4/1, Bukayo Saka to have at least one shot on target from outside the box at 9/2, and Marcus Rashford to score the first goal at 13/2.
Kane has already found the net three times at this World Cup, including a brace in England’s opening victory over Croatia, while Rashford was also on the scoresheet in that 4-2 win.
- All odds are correct at the time of publication
