Zakuani says England have holes as DR Congo chase World Cup history

Zakuani: "There are holes in England"

Gabriel Zakuani believes. The former DR Congo captain, now a BBC pundit, called Wednesday's matchup honestly: "I've seen England play and there are holes in it" (4). He was slated to co-commentate the match but stepped aside. "I just said: 'There's too much emotion in it. I won't be able to do it,'" Zakuani told The Guardian (4). Your team goes into this knockout tie with nothing to lose and a real chance.

Desabre switches to a back five

Sébastien Desabre has a plan. After the 1–1 draw against Portugal in the group opener, the manager is expected to shift to a five-man defence, matching England's system and blocking the wide channels (5). Probable lineup: Epolo in goal, a back five of Kapuadi and Mukau anchoring, with Kayembe, Mbuku, and Cipenga in support. Bakambu, Mayele, and Wissa lead the attack (6). Tuchel has clearly done his homework: "An underdog role works for them. We have to accept that and focus on being our best version" (13).

England's right-back crisis deepens

Jarell Quansah and Reece James both missed England's final training session before the match (17). BBC confirmed both are out for Wednesday (17). That is two right-backs down. Djed Spence is likely to start instead, with Ezri Konsa and Guéhi in central defence (6). Declan Rice admitted the challenge: "It could have gone either way. That would have lived with me forever" (12). Rice was referencing the group stage, but the tension carries into this knockout.

Tuchel preaches patience, England legends debate midfield

Thomas Tuchel kept his message short the night before the match: "It's the moment to be patient" (8). He expects a physical opponent, similar to what England faced against Ghana and Panama (13). Meanwhile Wayne Rooney wants Kobbie Mainoo to start over Elliot Anderson in midfield (14). Harry Kane leads the line, with Bellingham, Saka, and Rashford behind him (6). Gary Lineker has called Kane "the greatest of all time", his record speaks for itself (11).

Mbey Epolo: "I believe firmly in Congo's chances"

Matthieu Epolo's brother Mbey, who plays for KSK Heist, spoke ahead of kickoff. "I believe firmly in Congo's chances," he said (7). The younger Epolo will be watching his brother guard the DR Congo net against Kane, Bellingham, and Saka.

Mexico awaits the winner

The path is clear. Mexico beat Ecuador in the round of 32 and now waits for the winner of England vs Congo DR (10). A victory sends your team into a quarterfinal against the host nation.

A chance at history, 52 years later

Congo DR's only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974, the same year Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fought the Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa (15). The BBC calls this moment bigger than that fight (15). Desabre's squad can make it true Wednesday.

Fan reactions

The mood on Reddit is sharp and focused on England's absentees. With Quansah and James confirmed out, many England fans are nervous about the right side of defence, and DR Congo supporters see the opening. One thread captured it plainly: an England side missing two right-backs, facing a team that already frustrated Portugal, is not the mismatch the odds suggest. Read the discussion here.