DR Congo head coach says his team will play with no fear against England

Desabre says the African nation have already exceeded all expectations at this year's global tournament, their first participation at the World Cup since 1974.

DR Congo scored their first ever goal at the World Cup in a 1-1 draw with Portugal while they secured a win in the final group game against Uzbekistan to seal a place in the knockout stages.

They will now take on England, who came into the World Cup as one of the favourites to lift the trophy and Desabre expects his charges to give their all.

"It was already an achievement and a progression to return to the World Cup after 52 years of absence," Desabre told reporters.

"Earning the first point in the first match, scoring the first goal, that was another step. Scoring three goals in a match and winning a match at the World Cup was an additional step.

Qualifying for the round of 32 was another step. So indeed, we do not have much to lose, but we also take it as a source of motivation, because if we are here, it is because we deserve it."

The knockout stages has already seen Paraguay shock Germany with a penalty shootout win, and Morocco overcame the Netherlands the same way.

"The pressure, of course, is on the England team, because they must continue their path according to their objectives," Desabre added.

"We will do everything to qualify, and that is what I told the players, and the players tell themselves, this is a very beautiful opportunity to create another exploit rather than simply coming here to discover the competition.

"The number of people for whom football is life in our country and other African countries means my players have a lot of hopes and dreams on their shoulders.

"I'm sure these guys have won many hearts through their motivation, their determination, and their resilience in the face of pressure."

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