THE INSIDE CHANNEL: England v DR Congo Preview | Early Knockout Reaction | Japan Out | Lomana LuaLua Interview

Former DR Congo international Lomana LuaLua joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation ahead of England’s Round of 32 tie against his home nation – the inside track on what England can expect and how DR Congo will approach one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout fixtures.

Sam and Alex react to a dramatic start to the knockout stage – Brazil edged past Japan 2-1 in the pick of the early Round of 32 games, Canada made history with their first ever World Cup knockout stage victory, and Germany are out – beaten on penalties by Paraguay in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.

England’s tie against DR Congo gets the full preview treatment – will Spence start at right back following the Quansah injury? Who leads the attack alongside Kane? And can England show more than they did in the laboured win against Panama?

The other Round of 32 fixtures get their previews too – with France v Sweden, Cote d’Ivoire v Norway, Mexico v Ecuador and Belgium v Senegal all to come in the next few days. Sam and Alex pick their standout games.

The tipping competition continues – Alex’s accumulator is partially settled after BTTS in Brazil v Japan landed. Both hosts’ dark horse picks are out but their tournament outright bets are still very much live.

⚽ In this episode:

Lomana LuaLua exclusive – DR Congo’s World Cup threat assessed from the inside
England v DR Congo preview – Spence, attack debate & score predictions
Brazil 2-1 Japan reaction – Canada’s historic win – Germany OUT on penalties to Paraguay
France v Sweden, Cote d’Ivoire v Norway, Mexico v Ecuador, Belgium v Senegal previewed
Tipping competition – standings update & new picks
🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook
📍 Recorded from Brooklyn, New York

🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 – knockout stage in full swing
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