England vs DR Congo: This Marcus Rashford shot prop looks immense value in World Cup knockout clash

England begin their knockout campaign at the 2026 World Cup knowing victory over DR Congo will book a place in the Round of 16, where either Mexico or Ecuador await at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

The Three Lions are heavy favourites, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 73.9% chance of winning inside 90 minutes, compared to just 11.3% for DR Congo. Yet Sebastien Desabre's side have already shown they are capable of frustrating stronger opposition, drawing with Portugal before progressing from Group K.

That defensive approach could make Marcus Rashford one of the standout betting angles on July 1st.

Back Rashford to try his luck against DR Congo

DR Congo are expected to revert to the 5-3-2 system that earned a point against Portugal, sitting deep and looking to frustrate England before breaking on the counter. They averaged just 38.5% possession during the group stage (38th of the 48 nations), while England ranked third in the tournament with 65.3%.

It points towards another attack-vs-defence contest, similar to England's meeting with Ghana, where the Three Lions dominated territory and registered 19 shots despite being held to a goalless draw.

Rashford should be central to that shot volume – three of his last four international starts have seen him attempt at least four shots, while he averages 2.73 efforts per game across his last 20 England appearances. Almost one of those attempts per match (0.87) comes from outside the penalty box.

Cutting inside from the left, Rashford is likely to find space to shoot from distance against a compact back five. Even with Declan Rice returning to the starting XI, Rashford could also take some free-kicks in dangerous shooting positions, further boosting the appeal of backing him to hit the target from outside the box.

Those set-pieces could also prove England's best route to goal. Nico O'Reilly attempted four headed efforts across England's three group matches, one of which was on target, and continues to attack deliveries aggressively from corners and wide free-kicks.

England vs DR Congo best bets

Marcus Rashford shot on target from outside the box – 9/4 (3.25) with Bet365, 2/1 (3.00) with Betfair, Paddy

Rashford regularly looks to shoot from range and should have opportunities to test the goalkeeper against a deep defensive block.

Marcus Rashford 3+ shots and one shot on target from outside the box – 9/2 (5.50) with Bet365, 5/2 (3.50) with Betfair, Paddy

England's expected dominance of possession should allow Rashford to rack up attempts, particularly from his favoured left channel.

Bet Builder: Rashford 3+ shots, one shot on target from outside the box and Nico O'Reilly one or more headed shots on target – 19/1 (20.00) with Bet365, 15.5/1 (16.50) with Betfair, Paddy

England's width and set-piece threat should create opportunities for O'Reilly in the air, while Rashford's willingness to shoot from distance makes this an attractive combination.