England vs Congo DR preview

2026 World Cup, World
Atlanta Stadium Wed, 1 Jul - 4:00 PM
World Cup
England ENG
2 1
Congo DR COD
Full Time Wed, 1 Jul 4:00 PM
Round of 32
Harry Kane  - 75', 86'
Goal
|
Goal
Brian Cipenga - 7'

CONTEXT

England secured a 2-1 victory over Congo DR in a match that saw the home side overcome an early deficit. Congo DR took the lead before halftime with the score at 0-1. England dominated possession at 60 percent compared to their opponents 40 percent. The expected goals favored England with 1.63 against 0.71 for Congo DR. Despite the significant structural deviation of 26.8 percent associated with England the result proved consistent with underlying metrics. No red cards were shown to either side throughout the contest. The stronger team ultimately prevailed as expected in this encounter.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: England showed a significant deviation of 26.8 percent from pre-match projections.
  • Efficiency shift: Team efficiency remained in line with established performance patterns.
  • xG alignment: The match outcome was consistent with the xG values recorded.
  • Market alignment: The final result aligned with pre-match market indicators.
  • xG expectations: England posted 1.63 xG while Congo DR recorded 0.71 xG.
  • Event impact: England overcame a 0-1 halftime deficit to win 2-1.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards were issued to either team during the match.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
A. Makhadmeh
A. Makhadmeh
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
M. Al Kalaf
M. Al Kalaf
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
A. Al Roalle
A. Al Roalle
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
K. Saleh
K. Saleh
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
England T. Tuchel
T. Tuchel
VS
Congo DR S. Desabre
S. Desabre
2.33
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.33
2.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Panama Rank: W
Ghana Rank: D
Croatia Rank: W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Uzbekistan Rank: W
Colombia Rank: L
Portugal Rank: D
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home England
73.23%
Draw
19.03%
Away Congo DR
7.74%

Movement

Changes since opening
England
-22.88%
Draw
+15.33%
Congo DR
+7.55%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
32.84
23.33
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
England
Congo DR
Power Score
32.84
23.33
League Position
1
3
Global Rank
4
46

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
England — Opponent-weighted form score
Congo DR — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) England Congo DR

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

England

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Congo DR

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

England ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Congo DR
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
34.33
21.13
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
21.13
34.33
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
England +1.19 Efficiency Index
vs
Congo DR -1.19 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
England
Congo DR
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

England
vs
Congo DR
Created Set-piece attacking threat
England Congo DR
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
7%
9%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.11 vs -0.06
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
England Congo DR
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
9%
7%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.06 vs -0.11
England
Congo DR
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
England
vs
Congo DR
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
England Congo DR
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
England 0.17
Congo DR 0.24
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
England Congo DR
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
England 0.03
Congo DR 0.02
England
Congo DR
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • ENG had peak pressure around 81'.
  • COD started the game with stronger pressure.
ENG Pressure COD Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: ENG reached the top pressure at 81' (83.64).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 0 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

England ENG Home
0 matches
Congo DR COD Away
Match Record
0
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
0
Goals
0
Goals Scored
0
0
Goals Conceded
0
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-07-13T09:49:11+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-3-3
Pitch
J. Pickford
England
1 J. Pickford
D. Spence
Substitution
England
25 D. Spence
E. Konsa Ngoyo
England
2 E. Konsa Ngoyo
M. Guehi
England
6 M. Guehi
N. O'Reilly
England
3 N. O'Reilly
E. Anderson
England
8 E. Anderson
D. Rice
Substitution
England
4 D. Rice
C. Madueke
Substitution
England
20 C. Madueke
J. Bellingham
England
10 J. Bellingham
M. Rashford
Substitution
England
11 M. Rashford
H. Kane
England
9 (C) H. Kane
L. Mpasi-Nzau
DR Congo
1 L. Mpasi-Nzau
A. Masuaku
Substitution
DR Congo
26 A. Masuaku
A. Tuanzebe
DR Congo
4 A. Tuanzebe
C. Mbemba Mangulu
DR Congo
22 (C) C. Mbemba Mangulu
A. Wan-Bissaka
DR Congo
2 A. Wan-Bissaka
N. Sadiki
DR Congo
14 N. Sadiki
S. Moutoussamy
Substitution
DR Congo
8 S. Moutoussamy
N. Mukau
Substitution
DR Congo
6 N. Mukau
B. Kibambe Cipenga
Substitution
DR Congo
9 B. Kibambe Cipenga
Y. Wissa
DR Congo
20 Y. Wissa
N. Mbuku
Substitution
DR Congo
7 N. Mbuku

General Information

Date & Time
Jul 01, 2026, 04:00 PM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Round of 32
Stadium
Atlanta Stadium
Capacity
68239
Attendance
68239
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh
Mohammad Mustafa Hassan Al Kalaf
Ahmad Moannes Nadi Al Roalle
Khalid Saleh

Statistics

Possession
ENG
58%
COD
42%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 1
7 Big Chances Created 1
6 Shots 3
92 Dangerous attacks 29
60 Possession 40
5 Corners 3
16 Free kicks 10
1 Yellow Cards 1

Match Overview

73 Ball Safe 81
5 Goal Kicks 16
13 Goal Attempts 5
4 Substitutions 5
15 Throwins 24
0 Hit Woodwork 1
14 Successful Headers 9
2 Assists 1
0 Injuries 2
17 Dribble Attempts 12
7 Successful Dribbles 6
41 Successful Dribbles Percentage 50

Attacking

123 Attacks 78
6 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

33 Long Passes 46
517 Passes 365
468 Successful Passes 299
91 Successful Passes Percentage 82
14 Key Passes 4
19 Successful Long Passes 18
58 Successful Long Passes Percentage 39

Defensive

1 Saves 5
11 Tackles 20
7 Interceptions 3
44 Duels Won 45

Build-up

43 Total Crosses 13
9 Accurate Crosses 1

Discipline

0 Offsides 4
10 Fouls 12

Lineup

Referee : Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh

Starting XI ▼

1
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford Goalkeeper
5.83
2
Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa Defender
6.76
3
Nico O'Reilly
Nico O'Reilly Defender
6.67
6
Marc Guéhi
Marc Guéhi Defender
6.89
25
Djed Spence
Djed Spence Defender
6.63
21
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze
Midfielder70'
6.57
4
Declan Rice
Declan Rice Midfielder
7.18
5
John Stones
John Stones
Defender90+1'
8
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson Midfielder
7.54
10
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham Midfielder
6.84
11
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford Midfielder
6.89
18
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon
Attacker61'
7.5
20
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke Midfielder
7.56
7
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka
Attacker61'
6.57
9
Harry Kane
Harry Kane (C) Attacker
2
8.16
Referee : Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh

Starting XI ▼

1
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau
Lionel Mpasi-Nzau Goalkeeper
7.43
2
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka Defender
7.11
4
Axel Tuanzebe
Axel Tuanzebe Defender
6.57
22
Chancel Mbemba
Chancel Mbemba (C) Defender
6.92
26
Arthur Masuaku
Arthur Masuaku Defender
6.33
12
Joris Kayembe
Joris Kayembe
Defender89'
6
Ngal'ayel Mukau
Ngal'ayel Mukau Midfielder
6.42
25
Edo Kayembe
Edo Kayembe
Midfielder76'
6.5
8
Samuel Moutoussamy
Samuel Moutoussamy Midfielder
6.71
19
Fiston Mayele
Fiston Mayele
Attacker89'
14
Noah Sadiki
Noah Sadiki Midfielder
6.68
7
Nathanaël Mbuku
Nathanaël Mbuku Attacker
6.95
13
Meschack Elia
Meschack Elia
Attacker64'
6.48
9
Brian Cipenga
Brian Cipenga Attacker
6.97
10
Théo Bongonda
Théo Bongonda
Midfielder76'
6.48
20
Yoane Wissa
Yoane Wissa Attacker
6.74

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
John Stones → Declan Rice
9th Substitution
90+1'
89'
Event
Joris Kayembe → Arthur Masuaku
7th Substitution
89'
Event
Fiston Mayele → Samuel Moutoussamy
8th Substitution
Event
Harry Kane 
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
86'
76'
Event
Théo Bongonda → Brian Cipenga
5th Substitution
76'
Event
Edo Kayembe → Ngal'ayel Mukau
6th Substitution
Event
Harry Kane 
Header / 2nd Goal
75'
Event
Eberechi Eze → Djed Spence
4th Substitution
70'
64'
Event
Meschack Elia → Nathanaël Mbuku
3rd Substitution
Event
Anthony Gordon → Marcus Rashford
1st Substitution
61'
Event
Bukayo Saka → Noni Madueke
2nd Substitution
61'
1ST-HALF
28'
Event
Noah Sadiki
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Jude Bellingham
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
19'
7'
Event
Brian Cipenga
Right foot shot / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Yoane Wissa from Congo DR takes a right-footed shot from outside the box following a direct free kick.
90
Update Update
Yoane Wissa from Congo DR wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Jude Bellingham (England).
90
Update Update
Marc Guéhi of England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Axel Tuanzebe (Congo DR).
90
Update Update
Harry Kane of England is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
Fiston Mayele commits a foul for Congo DR.
90
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: John Stones comes on for Declan Rice.
90
Update Update
Théo Bongonda from Congo DR wins a free kick on the right wing.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Anthony Gordon (England).
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 6 minutes of added time.
90
Attempt Attempt
Harry Kane (England) misses the attempt with a right-footed shot from over 35 yards.
89
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Fiston Mayele comes on for Samuel Moutoussamy.
89
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Joris Kayembe comes on for Arthur Masuaku.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Harry Kane scores for England with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box. The score is now England 2, Congo DR 1.
86
Corner Corner
Jude Bellingham's left-footed shot from a tough angle on the left is saved in the bottom left corner by Lionel Mpasi. The attempt was assisted by Elliot Anderson with a through ball.
85
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Meschack Elia from Congo DR has a right-footed shot from long range on the left, but it's saved in the bottom left corner by Jordan Pickford of England.
85
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Anthony Gordon from England with a header from the center of the box.
81
Update Update
Meschack Elia of Congo DR commits a foul.
81
Update Update
Ezri Konsa wins a free kick for England in the attacking half.
79
Attempt Attempt
Elliot Anderson from England misses an attempt with a right-footed shot from outside the box.
76
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Théo Bongonda comes on for Brian Cipenga.
76
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Edo Kayembe comes on for Ngal'ayel Mukau.
75
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Harry Kane scores for England with a header from the center of the box. The match is now 1-1.
73
Update Update
Foul committed by Brian Cipenga of Congo DR.
73
Update Update
Eberechi Eze wins a free kick for England on the right wing.
72
Corner Corner
England win a corner after Aaron Wan-Bissaka concedes.
70
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Eberechi Eze comes on for Djed Spence.
70
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
68
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
66
Update Update
Yoane Wissa from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
66
Update Update
Ezri Konsa commits a foul for England.
65
Update Update
Meschack Elia of Congo DR commits a foul.
65
Update Update
Nico O'Reilly from England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
64
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Congo DR: Meschack Elia comes on for Nathanaël Mbuku.
63
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Nathanaël Mbuku's left-footed shot from outside the box for Congo DR is blocked. He was assisted by Brian Cipenga.
63
Corner Corner
Congo DR is awarded a corner after Elliot Anderson concedes.
62
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Brian Cipenga's right-footed shot from outside the box for Congo DR is blocked. Noah Sadiki provided the assist.
62
Corner Corner
Congo DR wins a corner after Nico O'Reilly concedes.
61
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Anthony Gordon comes on for Marcus Rashford.
61
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Bukayo Saka comes on for Noni Madueke.
55
Update Update
Ngal'ayel Mukau of Congo DR is caught offside.
54
Update Update
Marcus Rashford (England) misses an attempt with a header from the center of the box, sending it too high. Noni Madueke provided the assist with a cross.
51
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Marcus Rashford (England) had a left-footed shot from the left side of the box after a quick counterattack.
50
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to England after a concession by Arthur Masuaku.
49
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to England after Ngal'ayel Mukau concedes.
46
Update Update
Foul committed by Samuel Moutoussamy of Congo DR.
46
Update Update
Harry Kane wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with the score at England 0, Congo DR 1.
45
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to England after Nathanaël Mbuku concedes.
45
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Harry Kane's right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box is saved.
45
Update Update
Foul committed by Samuel Moutoussamy of Congo DR.
45
Update Update
Elliot Anderson wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
45
Update Update
Offside called against Congo DR. Brian Cipenga is caught offside.
45
Update Update
Ngal'ayel Mukau commits a foul for Congo DR.
45
Update Update
Djed Spence wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
45
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Jude Bellingham's header from the center of the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Lionel Mpasi. The cross was assisted by Noni Madueke.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 6 minutes of added time.
42
Attempt Attempt
Yoane Wissa from Congo DR hits the right post with a right-footed shot from very close range.
41
Update Update
Foul committed by Samuel Moutoussamy of Congo DR.
41
Update Update
Jude Bellingham from England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
40
Corner Corner
Congo DR is awarded a corner after Nico O'Reilly concedes.
39
Attempt Attempt
Noni Madueke's left-footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Jude Bellingham provided the assist.
38
Update Update
Yoane Wissa of Congo DR is caught offside.
38
Update Update
Foul committed by Ngal'ayel Mukau of Congo DR.
38
Update Update
Marcus Rashford wins a free kick for England on the left wing.
37
Update Update
Ngal'ayel Mukau from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
37
Update Update
Nico O'Reilly commits a foul for England.
36
Attempt Attempt
Noni Madueke's left-footed shot from outside the box for England is blocked.
35
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Harry Kane's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. Marcus Rashford provided the assist.
35
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Nico O'Reilly (England) had a left-footed shot from very close range that went to the left. He was assisted by Noni Madueke.
35
Attempt Attempt
Marcus Rashford's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked.
34
Update Update
Nathanaël Mbuku from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
34
Update Update
Nico O'Reilly commits a foul for England.
32
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Brian Cipenga from Congo DR takes a right-footed shot from outside the box.
30
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Jude Bellingham's header from the center of the box for England is saved.
28
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Noah Sadiki from Congo DR receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
27
Update Update
Noah Sadiki from Congo DR commits a foul.
27
Update Update
Djed Spence wins a free kick for England on the right wing.
26
Update Update
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
23
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
21
Update Update
Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
21
Update Update
Foul committed by Marcus Rashford (England).
19
Update Update
Jude Bellingham commits a foul for England.
19
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Jude Bellingham of England receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
19
Update Update
Nathanaël Mbuku from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the attacking half.
17
Update Update
Brian Cipenga from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
17
Update Update
Noni Madueke commits a foul for England.
14
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to England after a concession by Samuel Moutoussamy.
11
Update Update
Noni Madueke from England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
11
Update Update
Foul committed by Brian Cipenga of Congo DR.
10
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
10
Update Update
Nico O'Reilly commits a foul for England.
10
Update Update
Nathanaël Mbuku from Congo DR is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
9
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Lionel Mpasi from Congo DR.
7
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Congo DR takes the lead 1-0 against England. Brian Cipenga scores with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Chancel Mbemba.
3
Update Update
Ngal'ayel Mukau from Congo DR wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3
Update Update
Marcus Rashford commits a foul for England.
2
Update Update
Offside.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Adham Mohammad.

CONCLUSION

England completed a successful comeback after trailing at the interval to claim the 2-1 win against Congo DR. The home side leveraged superior possession and created higher quality chances as reflected in the xG figures. Congo DR started brightly but could not maintain their advantage into the second half. The absence of any dismissals allowed both teams to maintain full squads for the duration. This result reinforced the status of England as the stronger side on the day. Overall the performance metrics supported the final outcome without notable distortions from external factors. The match highlighted effective adjustments by England following the halftime break.