London-born DR Congo fullback looking to derail England at World Cup

ATLANTA, June 29 : If the Democratic Republic of Congo are going to hold England at bay in their World Cup last-32 tie in Atlanta on Wednesday, Croydon-born defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be key to their chances.

The 28-year-old was one of the outstanding performers for the Congolese as they got past the first round for the first time and booked a prestigious meeting with England in the knockout round.

Wan-Bissaka is one of two English-born players in the squad and came close to winning a cap for England, having been called up in September 2019 ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo, but was forced to withdraw because of a back injury.

It provided a rare window of opportunity because the likes of Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Reece James then kept him from another call-up, even if he made a £50 million ($66.29 million) move from Crystal Palace to Manchester United.

The lack of opportunity for Wan-Bissaka, now at West Ham United, meant he grew more receptive to persistent overtures from DR Congo. His father, Ambroise, who was a cleaner in London and would take his sons by public transport to training, hails from Congo.

Wan-Bissaka eschewed a handful of call-ups before he finally agreed to change his allegiance, having played for England at under-21 level, and debuted for DR Congo last September during the World Cup qualifiers.

"I wanted to join the national team when I felt ready. Only I know when I am ready, not when others decide for me,” he said at the time.

Wan-Bissaka has missed only two of the 17 matches the Congolese have played since.

DR Congo also have 31-year-old London-born Aaron Tshibola in the squad. The Kilmarnock defensive midfielder, who has also played for Aston