England open their knockout campaign against a first-time DR Congo

What happened

England begin their World Cup knockout campaign against DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta on July 1, the Group L winners meeting a side playing its first knockout match at a World Cup. According to England's Football Association, Thomas Tuchel's team arrive unbeaten in 11 competitive fixtures under the manager, having won ten and drawn one.

The winner advances to the round of 16 and a meeting with Mexico, who ended a 40-year knockout drought a day earlier.

Why it matters

For England, it is the point at which a stuttering group stage must give way to sharper knockout football, having topped their group without fully convincing. For DR Congo, reaching this stage is already historic, and a further upset would extend one of the tournament's stand-out underdog stories.

Harry Kane heads into the tie as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer after passing the mark in the group stage, per ESPN, giving Tuchel a reliable focal point as the margins narrow.

Context

England drew 0-0 with Ghana and beat Panama 2-0 to finish top of Group L, a return that flattered a side still searching for its best rhythm and now without the injured Reece James at right-back. DR Congo, meanwhile, booked their place with a 3-1 comeback win over Uzbekistan in which Yoane Wissa starred, according to Sky Sports.

The tie is one of three in the round of 32 on the day, with Belgium facing Senegal and the United States meeting Bosnia and Herzegovina later.

What to watch next

The immediate question is whether England raise their level and whether Kane adds to his record against a DR Congo side that will sit deep and counter. How Tuchel reshapes his defence without James is another thread, as is DR Congo's ability to trouble a higher-ranked opponent through Wissa. The winner steps up to face Mexico, sharpening the stakes for a fixture England are expected to control but cannot take lightly.