Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas, USA
Surface: Natural grass (FIFA‑certified)
Weather Outlook — Houston, Texas
NRG Stadium is a retractable‑roof venue, and July conditions almost always force a closed‑roof match.
- Conditions: Hot, humid Gulf Coast evening
- Temperature: ~95°F outside
- Humidity: ~70%
- Wind: 8–12 mph from the south
- Roof Status: Closed
- Impact: Neutral playing conditions; fast pitch, consistent ball movement
Team Records & Recent Form
England — Last 10 Matches
- Record: 6–2–2
- Goals For: 18
- Goals Against: 9
- Trend:
- Strong defensive structure
- Midfield control improving under current tactical setup
- Attack efficient but not explosive
DR Congo — Last 10 Matches
- Record: 4–3–3
- Goals For: 13
- Goals Against: 12
- Trend:
- Physical, counter‑attacking style
- Defense inconsistent against top‑tier nations
- Capable of upsetting stronger teams when transitions click
Injury Report
England
- Harry Kane — DAY‑TO‑DAY (ankle)
- Luke Shaw — OUT (hamstring)
- Reece James — OUT (knee)
- Bukayo Saka — DAY‑TO‑DAY (groin)
Impact: Kane’s availability is the biggest storyline. Without him, England’s attack becomes more fluid but less clinical.
DR Congo
- Cédric Bakambu — OUT (calf)
- Chancel Mbemba — DAY‑TO‑DAY (hip)
- Gaël Kakuta — OUT (thigh)
- Arthur Masuaku — DAY‑TO‑DAY (ankle)
Impact: Bakambu’s absence removes DR Congo’s most reliable striker. Mbemba’s status is crucial for defensive stability.
Key Player Matchups
Jude Bellingham (ENG) vs. Charles Pickel (COD)
Bellingham’s box‑to‑box dominance will test DR Congo’s midfield physicality. Pickel must disrupt England’s rhythm early.
Marcus Rashford (ENG) vs. DR Congo Backline
Rashford’s pace is a major threat, especially in a closed‑roof stadium with a fast pitch.
Yoane Wissa (COD) vs. England’s Center‑Backs
Wissa’s movement and counter‑attacking ability can trouble England if they push too high.
Series History
- All‑time meetings: England and DR Congo have never met in an official senior international match.
- Trend:
- England typically dominates non‑European opponents
- DR Congo has historically struggled vs. top‑10 FIFA nations
Betting Trends
England
- 7 of last 10 matches: Under 2.5 goals
- England has scored first in 8 of last 10
- England has kept a clean sheet in 5 of last 7 wins
DR Congo
- 6 of last 10 matches: Over 2.5 goals
- DR Congo has conceded first in 7 of last 10
- DR Congo has scored in 8 of last 10 matches
MATCH ODDS
England – 350
DR Congo + 1200
Draw + 425
Over 2.5 + 100 Under 2.5 – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 30, 2026
