DR Congo Deploy 5-3-2 Against England as 38.8% Possession Exposes Space Wide
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 1
DR Congo Deploy 5-3-2 Against England as 38.8% Possession Exposes Space Wide
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 1
Summary
DR Congo enter Wednesday's World Cup knockout tie with England in a consistent 5-3-2, pairing a defence-first setup with aggressive man-to-man pressing rather than a deep block.
38.8% average possession underlines their reactive style, but they still push wing-backs and midfielders high from goal-kicks, leaving space behind the press and over the top for direct balls.
England's likely route is through the flanks: low full-back positions, rotating 'wide units' and long switches could stretch DR Congo's narrow midfield and isolate wing-backs.
That approach fits Thomas Tuchel's broader plan of inviting pressure before accelerating through midfield, with runners such as Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke attacking the gaps.
DR Congo still carry threat in possession through an unusually spread build-up shape and in the box through Yoane Wissa, whose movement and reactions make him their clearest danger.