World Cup: Yoane Wissa & Chancel Mbemba Lock Horns With England

With Germany and The Netherlands already eliminated in the round of 32 it's England's turn to try and claim a place in the last 16 when they take on DR Congo this afternoon at 5pm BST.

New & Old Toon Boys Line Up For DR Congo

England manager Thomas Tuchel has some defensive issues to sort out ahead of today;s game and with the Toon's Yoane Wissa having scored three of DRC's four goals to date he needs to get that defensive set up right.

Our £55M signing has shown that he isn't a spent force yet and he has said he knows he didn't set SJP alight last season... but he will be looking to burn England down this afternoon.

Wissa hasn't just scored goals, he's hit the back of the net in spectacular fashion; with a soaring bullet header and a Messi like curling grass cutter from outside the box already under his belt. His all round game has looked sharp, and he'll be a threat for sure.

Also facing England will be ex Toon defender Chancel Mbemba now 31... or is he?

Fans might remember when he first signed for Newcastle in 2015 conflicting registration documents from earlier in his youth career suggested various birth years ranging from 1988 to 1994.  

However, Mbemba cleared the air himself upon arriving in England, noting that he had undergone forensic bone testing that legally verified his 1994 birth year.

I had the same test done recently and I've been legally certified as thirty several years old with a birth date ranging from 1953 to 1992.

I'll leave those who have met me to work out how many several years that is :)

It would be good to see Yoane and Chancel have good games... but not too good... this afternoon we are all fans of England and we'll want to see the Three Lions roar to a win.

Match Details & How to Watch

• Fixture: England vs. DR Congo (World Cup Round of 32)

• Kick-off: 5:00 PM BST / 12:00 PM Local Time

• Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, USA

• UK TV Channel: Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer (Coverage starts at 4:00 PM BST)

Match Prediction

While logic points to an England victory, this DR Congo side is built specifically to absorb pressure and hit quickly on the break.

England got caught out twice, and far too easily, on the break against Croatia and could have conceded more and the defence hasn't looked at all like a solid unit.

Tuchel will be wanting his team to show far more attacking purpose than they have in the last two timid games which might suit DRC's breaking strategy.

I'm not convinced that this Tuchel team is any better tactically than Southgate's and whether that is down to the tactics or the ability of our players is up for question.

Technically we look miles behind France, Spain and Argentina, but also of the likes of Japan, Morocco and Mexico - the latter who we'd face in the last 16 if we win today.

I'm going for a 3-1 win with Wissa getting DCR's goal - Ronway please note!

Mind, judging by my performance so far in Ronway's WC Competition Wor B is offering 20/1 on me being right.

Send bets to the usual NE1 address but don't build your hope's up... either of winning or getting paid if you do,

How do you think the match will pan out?

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