What's at stake

A single match decides which country moves on to the tournament's next round.

Advancement changes the path to the title and affects matchups, recovery time and knockout pressure for both teams.

Who's in play

England's manager and core starters carry responsibility for scoring, possession and tempo.

Congo DR's coach, defenders and quick forwards shape counterattacks and defensive resilience. Late absences, substitutions and bench influence will affect who can seize control.

What drives it

Tactical setup, pressing intensity and formation choices will determine where chances appear on the pitch.

Set pieces, goalkeeper form, VAR calls and late cards have outsized impact in tight matches. Recent team form and any injury updates also shift probabilities quickly.

What to watch

The first 20 minutes will reveal which side controls tempo and whether counters create clear openings.

Watch starting XIs, pre-match injury reports, and set-piece assignments. Track substitutions, VAR reviews and stoppage-time events; halftime tactical changes often predict the match's closing phases.