England's national team arrived at the World Cup in its traditional status as one of the favorites. Despite the high hopes that fans always place on the Three Lions, only in the middle of the last century did they manage to crush all comers and become champions. The current English squad looks very impressive, but so far the results of Thomas Tuchel's side have pleased some and caused concern for others. The former are happy with Harry Kane and his teammates' group-stage victory and the absence of defeats. The latter do not understand the draw of the Three Lions with Ghana, as well as the dull performance against Panama. At the same time, the tournament began for England in the best possible way. In the match against a direct group rival, Croatia, the Foggy Albion representative managed to win both on the scoreboard and in terms of the way the game was played. As for Ghana, this African side the English could not score against. Moreover, they hardly had any clear chances either, just as in the first half of the Panama game. Fans expected a rout of the outsider, as in the 2018 World Cup, but they got a goalless first half and a win by sheer class in the second half. The Round of 16 opponent could hardly be better for England. At the same time, the experience of other teams at this stage already varies. The feelings of German fans, eliminated on penalties by modest Paraguay, cannot be compared with the feelings of the French, who easily defeated the Swedish players. Undoubtedly, Kane and his teammates are aiming for a smooth progression past yet another African representative. If nerves get the better of you in the DR Congo match, you could crack yourself before the Round of 16 against a much more serious Mexico, which has not conceded a goal in four tournament matches. DR Congo showed themselves well in the group stage. After snatching a sensational draw with Portugal, the Africans were by a single goal to the powerful Colombians. In the final group match, DR Congo players showed character in their clash with Uzbekistan, securing a hard-fought victory. The England team knows that the opponent is serious, and during the match it will not settle for a shaky one-goal lead.