Why England's World Cup record against Africa offers no guarantees
29.06.26, 17:30 Updated 29.06.26, 17:42 4 Minute Read
Gary Jordan
Group stages rarely define England World Cup campaigns. They merely set the scene. History will show Thomas Tuchel's side topped Group L with relative comfort, but anyone who has watched England over the decades knows tournaments are seldom won in June. The real examination begins now.
Thomas Tuchel has some issues to fix and also has to study plenty of footage, as England face an opponent they have never faced before, let alone at this level of football. DR Congo are back on the World Cup stage for the first time since appearing as Zaire in 1974, and they are not to be overlooked. They have been impressive so far, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their first game, before losing to a late goal against Colombia. Needing a win to advance, they did so in style, beating Uzbekistan 3-1.
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Gary Jordan Author of Out of the Shadows: The Story of the 1982 World Cup Team. A long-time observer of England, he brings historical perspective and an enduring optimism shaped by decades following the national side.